English · What to say back
How to reply to “Bad news” in English
When someone shares bad news, a caring acknowledgment or an invitation to talk can be more useful than immediate advice.
Buri khabar sunkar pehle uska asar samjhein. Chhota, soch-samajhkar diya jawab kaafi hota hai.
Choose a reply that fits
Reply 1
I'm sorry to hear that.
यह सुनकर दुख हुआ।
yah sunkar dukh hua.
Recognize the news.
Reply 2
That must be difficult.
यह बहुत मुश्किल होगा।
yah bahut mushkil hoga.
Acknowledge that the situation may be hard.
Reply 3
Would you like to talk about it?
क्या आप इस बारे में बात करना चाहेंगे / चाहेंगी?
kya aap is baare mein baat karna chaahenge / chaahengi?
Offer space to talk without requiring it.
Reply 4
Is there anything I can do?
क्या मैं कुछ कर सकता / सकती हूँ?
kya main kuchh kar sakta / sakti hoon?
Offer practical help without guessing what is needed.
What to watch for
Listen to the whole message before choosing a reply. Recognize the news. Offer space to talk without requiring it.
See it in a short conversation
A difficult week
Partner
I'm having a difficult week.
Show Hindi meaning
यह हफ्ता मेरे लिए मुश्किल है।
yah hafta mere liye mushkil hai.
You
I'm sorry to hear that.
Show Hindi meaning
यह सुनकर दुख हुआ।
yah sunkar dukh hua.
A disappointing outcome
Partner
I didn't get the job.
Show Hindi meaning
मुझे नौकरी नहीं मिली।
mujhe naukri nahi mili.
You
That must be difficult.
Show Hindi meaning
यह बहुत मुश्किल होगा।
yah bahut mushkil hoga.
Your turn
Give the person a choice about whether to talk.
Reveal sample reply
Would you like to talk about it?
क्या आप इस बारे में बात करना चाहेंगे / चाहेंगी?
kya aap is baare mein baat karna chaahenge / chaahengi?
