How to offer condolences in French.
The phrases French speakers actually use — not a dictionary line — with what each means and who it is for, plus full messages by a native speaker you can send as a card in French in a minute.
“Toutes mes condoléances.” means “All my condolences.” and is what French speakers say. “Sincères condoléances.” (“Sincere condolences.”) is the warmer version. The standard line, written or spoken.
The French phrases, and when each one fits
French uses 'tu' with family and friends and 'vous' with colleagues you are not close to, clients and anyone older you do not know well. Many workplaces are 'tu' between peers and 'vous' upwards — when in doubt, 'vous' is never rude.
- Toutes mes condoléances. — “All my condolences.”. The standard line, written or spoken.
- Sincères condoléances. — “Sincere condolences.”. The printed-card phrase.
- Je pense bien à toi. — “I'm thinking of you.”. Personal; 'à vous' for a family.
- Je suis de tout cœur avec toi. — “I am with you with all my heart.”. Warm, close.
- Courage. — “Courage. (Be strong.)”. One word the French say to someone facing something hard.
- Nous partageons votre peine. — “We share your sorrow.”. From a family or a team.
Sympathy messages in French, written for the person
Full messages by a native speaker — pick the person and send one as a card, in their language.
Three French messages to start from
Toutes mes condoléances pour le décès de ton papa. Quel homme bien — je pense à toi et à ta famille.
Toutes mes condoléances pour le décès de ton amie. Une amitié comme la vôtre est rare — et ce chagrin est réel. Je suis là.
Toutes mes condoléances pour le décès de ton grand-père. C'était un homme solide et bon, et je pense bien à toi.
Questions people ask
Can I mix English and French in one card?
Yes — and natives find it charming. Open with the French phrase, write your real message in English, and sign off in French (Je t'embrasse, or Bisous,). The effort is the point.
How do I sign off a French card?
Je t'embrasse, · Bisous, · Avec toute mon affection, · Amicalement, · Bien à vous, — from warmest to most neutral. Family and close friends get the first two; colleagues the last.
Will the card itself be in French?
Yes. Our Français builder is a full translation, with example messages written by native speakers, and your recipient opens the card in French.
Sympathy wishes in other languages
Send it in French — free.
A real card, in their language, in about a minute. No account, no watermark.