What do I say when a friend tells me about the death of a loved one?
If you are notified a distant relative of someone has just passed away, you don't need to say much, just a simple "這樣啊" (Oh, I see) and/or "那真不幸" (that's really unfortunate) to acknowledge you have just learned the bad news.

If you are notified a close relative of someone has just passed away, you should add an condolences, and the most common phrase for offering condolences is 節哀順變 or 節哀


"這樣啊... 那真不幸，希望你能節哀順變" (Oh, I see... That's really unfortunate, hope you can restrain your grief and accept the change)
"這樣啊... 那真不幸，請節哀 (Oh, I see... That's really unfortunate, please restrain your grief)