慰问 wèiwèn to express sympathy
to express sympathy, greetings, consolation etc
How to remember 慰问: 慰 to comfort + 问 ask = to express sympathy.
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How it is used
- To visit and express sympathy, greetings, or consolation - 慰问灾区群众 (wèiwèn zāiqū qúnzhòng) to offer sympathy to disaster victims; 慰问信 (wèiwènxìn) a letter of condolence/greeting.
- Official/ceremonial register: leaders 慰问 the sick, the troops, the bereaved. It comforts those in difficulty, whereas 慰劳 (wèiláo) rewards those who worked hard.
- Common set phrase: 表示慰问 (biǎoshì wèiwèn) to express one's sympathy.