Condolence messages in Hindi and English
Pick a line by relationship, copy it, and change at least one word so it sounds like you. Everything here is short enough for WhatsApp.
For the loss of a father
English
Uncle taught me more by example than any lecture. I will miss his quiet advice. May he rest in peace.
Your father's steadiness held many people up, not just your family. He will be remembered that way.
I am sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can take off your plate this week, tell me.
हिन्दी
पिताजी का स्नेह और उनका अनुशासन हम सबके लिए प्रेरणा रहा। ईश्वर उन्हें अपने चरणों में स्थान दें।
उनका जाना केवल आपके परिवार की नहीं, हम सबकी क्षति है। आप हमारे साथ हैं, यह याद रखना।
इस कठिन समय में कोई भी काम हो तो बेझिझक कहिए, हम साथ हैं।
For the loss of a mother
English
A mother's care leaves a mark on every room she lived in. I am thinking of you and the family.
I still remember the chai and the questions she asked every time I visited. She will be missed.
May she rest in peace. Please look after yourself too.
हिन्दी
माँ का आँचल हमेशा याद आता है। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति दें और आपको हिम्मत।
उनकी बनाई चाय और उनका अपनापन हमेशा याद रहेगा। हम आपके साथ हैं।
माँ कहीं गई नहीं हैं, आपके संस्कारों और यादों में रहेंगी।
For a grandparent
English
A full life and a big family: that was his achievement. We share in your sorrow.
Her stories will live on in every one of you. Wishing the family strength.
हिन्दी
दादाजी का आशीर्वाद पूरे परिवार की धरोहर था। हम इस दुःख में आपके साथ हैं।
दादी माँ की कहानियाँ और सीख हमेशा आपके साथ रहेंगी। ईश्वर शांति दें।
For someone who lost a husband or wife
English
I have no right words, but I am here. Call me any time, day or night.
Your love for each other was clear to everyone who knew you. I am with you.
हिन्दी
मेरे पास शब्द नहीं हैं, पर मैं आपके साथ हूँ। जब भी ज़रूरत हो, बस फ़ोन कर लीजिए।
आप दोनों का साथ सबके लिए मिसाल था। इस घड़ी में हम आपके साथ हैं।
For a young person or a sudden loss
English
There are no words for this. We are holding your family in our thoughts.
He was taken far too soon. We will remember his smile and his kindness.
हिन्दी
इस दुःख के लिए कोई शब्द नहीं हैं। हम पूरे परिवार के साथ हैं।
उनका इतनी जल्दी चले जाना असहनीय है। उनकी मुस्कान हमेशा याद रहेगी।
For a colleague, teacher or boss
English
She set the standard in our department and was generous with her time. We will miss her.
On behalf of the team, we extend our deepest condolences to his family.
हिन्दी
वे हमारे संस्थान की शान थे। उनका मार्गदर्शन हमेशा याद रहेगा। परिवार को हमारी संवेदनाएँ।
समस्त स्टाफ की ओर से शोक संतप्त परिवार के प्रति हार्दिक संवेदना।
What not to write
- 'He is in a better place' unless you are sure the family would say it themselves
- 'Be strong' or 'don't cry'
- 'I know exactly how you feel'
- Asking how the person died
- Starting your own story about a loss
Frequently asked questions
How long should a condolence message be?
Two or three sentences. Long messages are rarely read in full on a phone, and the family will remember one specific line more than a paragraph.
Should I send a message or call?
If you were close, call or visit. A message is for acquaintances, colleagues and people far away. A short message followed by a visit later is better than a long message instead of one.
Is it fine to forward a message someone else wrote?
Yes, but change a word or add the person's name. Messages that arrive word-for-word from five different people are noticeable.