悼念

• Pinyin: dào niàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 悼 = 忄 + 卓 (heart grieving deeply); 念 = 今 + 心 (to think of, to remember)

Meaning

To mourn; to grieve for; to commemorate. A verb expressing sorrow and remembrance for someone who has passed away, typically in a formal or public context.

Used in formal contexts such as memorial services, national mourning periods, and public tributes. More solemn and ceremonial than 思念 (to miss). Frequently appears in official speeches, news coverage, and written tributes.

Examples

1. 全国人民以各种方式悼念在地震中不幸遇难的同胞。 People across the country mourned in various ways for the compatriots who tragically died in the earthquake.
2. 学校举行了庄重的悼念仪式，缅怀这位桃李满天下的教授。 The school held a solemn memorial ceremony to remember this professor whose students were spread far and wide.
3. 她在父亲的墓前默默悼念，泪水久久止不住地流淌。 She mourned silently in front of her father's grave, tears flowing for a long time without stopping.

Usage Guide

Context: memorial, religion, news, politics

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 举行悼念活动。(Hold a commemorative memorial event.)
• 深切悼念逝者。(Deeply mourn the deceased.)

Don't Say

• 我悼念你的离开 — 悼念 is only for the deceased; use 惋惜 or 不舍 to express regret about someone leaving

Origin & History

悼 (to grieve, to mourn) + 念 (to think of, to miss). Together expressing sorrowful remembrance of the deceased.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal