mazel tov

See also: mazeltov

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈmaz(ə)l ˌtɒf/, /ˈmaz(ə)l ˌtɒv/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɔf/, /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɔv/, /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɑf/, /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɑv/
  • Rhymes: -ɒf, -ɒv

Interjection

mazel tov

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

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

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