mazel tov

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search
See also: mazeltov

English

[edit]
English Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia

Alternative forms

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

Borrowed from Yiddish מזל־טובֿ (mazl tov), from Hebrew מַזָּל (mazál, star, constellation; fate, luck), from Akkadian 𒌓𒁕 (manzaltum) + Hebrew טוֹב (tov, good); literally “good stars, good luck”.

Pronunciation

[edit]

Interjection

[edit]

mazel tov

  1. (in a Jewish context) Used to express congratulations or good wishes, especially at weddings.
  2. (chiefly in non-Jewish contexts) Used to sarcastically express congratulations for an unimpressive accomplishment or in order to dismiss an accomplishment.

Usage notes

[edit]

Although often parsed as good luck, mazel tov originally and principally offers congratulations or admiration at something already achieved (your stars have been good, your luck has been good, etc.) rather than expressing hopes for future good luck.

Translations

[edit]