Formal to Family
Care · Family · Communication
先ほど、お母様は安らかに旅立たれました。心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。 — A short while ago, your mother peacefully passed on. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. (Care · Family · Communication, Formal to Family, JLPT N2)
You
先ほど、お母様は安らかに旅立たれました。心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。
さきほど、おかあさまはやすらかにたびだたれました。こころよりおくやみもうしあげます。
A short while ago, your mother peacefully passed on. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Romaji: Sakihodo, okaa-sama wa yasuraka ni tabidatare-mashita. Kokoro yori okuyami moushiagemasu. / Reply Romaji: Sou desu ka… Saigo made arigatou gozaimashita.
Reply
そうですか…。最後までありがとうございました。
そうですか…。さいごまでありがとうございました。
I see... Thank you for everything until the end.
Gesture & etiquette
If in person, bow deeply (45 degrees) and hold for 3 seconds. Hands at sides, eyes lowered. After they respond, stay silent and present—do not rush to fill silence. Tissues nearby. If on phone, speak slowly with measured calm. Wait for them to be ready to discuss next steps.
Death notification to family. 「旅立たれる」 (departed on a journey) is the standard dignified euphemism—softer than 「亡くなる」. 「安らかに」 (peacefully) reassures the family even when actual moment may have been difficult. Always include this comfort framing if at all possible. Deliver in person if family was present at hospice; phone if absent. Pause for their response before continuing.