弔問

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 弔問, read ちょうもん. Elements for mourning and visiting combine to denote a condolence call to the bereaved.
• Basic usage: 弔問に訪れる makes condolence the purpose of a visit, while 弔問に訪れた人々 modifies the people who came to pay respects.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Condolences to the bereaved
  • The visitor goes to a teacher’s home to offer condolences to the bereaved family. Example: 恩師の家へ弔問に訪れ、遺族にお悔やみを伝えました。 — I visited my former teacher's home to offer condolences to the bereaved family.
• Actions of mourners
  • Those making condolence calls quietly offer flowers. Example: 弔問に訪れた人々が静かに花を供えました。 — Those who came to pay their respects quietly offered flowers.