mazel tov
See also: mazeltov
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editBorrowed 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- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈmaz(ə)l ˌtɒf/, /ˈmaz(ə)l ˌtɒv/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɔf/, /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɔv/, /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɑf/, /ˈmɑz(ə)lˌtɑv/
- Hyphenation: ma‧zel tov
Interjection
editmazel tov
- (in a Jewish context) Used to express congratulations or good wishes, especially at weddings.
- (chiefly in non-Jewish contexts) Used to sarcastically express congratulations for an unimpressive accomplishment or in order to dismiss an accomplishment.
Usage notes
editAlthough 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(Hebrew/Yiddish) congratulations or good wishes, especially at weddings
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