mazel tov

See also: mazeltov

English

Wikipedia

Alternative forms

• mazeltov
• mazal tov

Etymology

From Yiddish מזל־טובֿ ‎(mazl tov), from Hebrew מַזָּל ‎(mazzāl, “star, constellation; fate, luck”), from Akkadian 𒌓𒁕 ‎(manzaltu [UD.DA]) + Hebrew טוֹב ‎(ṭôḇ, “good”); literally "good stars/luck".

Interjection

mazel tov!

1. Used to express congratulations or good wishes, especially at weddings. (in a Jewish context)

Usage notes

While it literally means “good luck”, it is used more to express congratulations or well wishes retrospectively (at a wedding, after a purchase), rather than prospectively as good luck is often used.

Translations

(Hebrew/Yiddish) congratulations or good wishes, especially at weddings

• Dutch: mazzel tov (nl)/ veel (nl) mazzel (nl)
• French: mazeltov
• German: Masel tov, Masseltopp (de)

• Hebrew: מַזָּל טוֹב (he) ‎(mazál tov)
• Russian: маза́ль то́в ‎(mazálʹ tóv), мазль то́в ‎(mazlʹ tóv), мазл то́в ‎(mazl tóv)
• Yiddish: מזל־טובֿ ‎(mazl tov)