mazel tov
See also: mazeltov
English edit
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
- (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 edit
mazel 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 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
(Hebrew/Yiddish) congratulations or good wishes, especially at weddings
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