rose~ Posted November 29, 2006 at 11:37 PM Report Share Posted November 29, 2006 at 11:37 PM My friend told me over the phone that her Grandmother has passed away. I couldn't think of anything that seemed right to say so I had to switch into English. What would have been a standard thing to say? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skylee Posted November 29, 2006 at 11:45 PM Report Share Posted November 29, 2006 at 11:45 PM I think the most standard thing to say is (請)節哀順變. But I wouldn't say it to a friend as it sounds so standard and uncaring. I think I would simply say 你還好吧？ / 不要太傷心 / 需要我幫忙嗎? etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neverbt Posted November 30, 2006 at 03:14 PM Report Share Posted November 30, 2006 at 03:14 PM 请节哀，节哀顺便. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose~ Posted December 3, 2006 at 09:44 PM Author Report Share Posted December 3, 2006 at 09:44 PM Thanks for the advice, Neverbt and Skylee. It's interesting to see how differently we approach the situation between Europe and China especially regarding the expression 節哀順變 jie ai shun bian. In Europe it would be unacceptable to tell your friend to control their grief and move on smoothly (which seems to sounds like simply saying "get over it"!), so I agree with Skylee. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and select your username and password later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.