What is sympathy?

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Sympathy is an expression/feeling of pity and sorrow when we know and see someone/people are unlucky or have trouble and in bad condition.

 

By expressing sympathy we want to how our concern/carefulness on other people’s condition.

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Expressions to give sympathy

 

In formal situations:

–   I’m (very/really/extremely) sorry to hear that.

–   That’s really too bad. I’m sorry to hear it.

–   You must be very upset.

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For a serious incident:

–   Goodness!

–   How awful!

–  How terrible!

–  How dreadful!

–  What a terrible situation!

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For a minor accident:

–  Oh, that’s bad luck.

–  That’s a nuisance.

–  What a shame.

–  What a pity.

–  That’s too bad.

–  That’s a shame.

–  That’s a pity.

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Expressing condolence

•  It’s just God’s plan.

•  He’s in a better place now.

•  God needed another angel.

•  He’s/she’s at peace now.

•  Let me offer my condolence.

•  It must be pretty hard on you.

•  I pray to God may his/her soul rest in peace. 

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Responding to sympathy

•  Thank you.

•  That’s very kind of you.

•  There’s nothing that can be done about it.

•  It’s God’s will, I suppose.

•  God gives and God takes away.

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Cultural Awareness

We can give sympathy expression to someone by saying it directly or we can use a letter, card, short message service (SMS), e-mail, television, radio, and newspaper if he/she who got the trouble is far from us.