מַזָּל טוֹב
mazál tóv
The English phrase 'congratulations' is expressed in Hebrew as מַזָּל טוֹב (mazál tóv). Wiktionary also lists כָּל הַכָּבוֹד (kól hakavód).
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| מַזָּל טוֹב | mazál tóv |
| כָּל הַכָּבוֹד | kól hakavód |
מַזָּל טוֹב is the standard way to express congratulations for life events and celebrations. Another way to express approbation is כָּל הַכָּבוֹד, which is used to say 'well done' or 'good job' when praising a specific accomplishment or performance.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, מַזָּל טוֹב translates to 'good luck'.
Which one should you use?
מַזָּל טוֹב is used for celebratory milestones like weddings or birthdays, whereas כָּל הַכָּבוֹד is used to praise someone's achievement or performance, similar to 'well done' or 'way to go'.
How do you pronounce it?
mazál tóv
Did you know?
- The word מַזָּל (luck) in מַזָּל טוֹב is etymologically linked to the concept of stars and celestial influence in ancient contexts.
- While מַזָּל טוֹב is used for celebrations, saying בְּהַצְלָחָה is the correct way to wish someone 'good luck' for a future event. Using מַזָּל טוֹב before a test or a game would sound like you are congratulating them for a victory that has not happened yet.
- Depending on the context, מַזָּל טוֹב can be used sarcastically to react to a predictable or ironic failure, similar to how an English speaker might say 'Congratulations' when someone makes a huge mistake.
Examples in context
- מַזָּל טוֹב עַל הַתְּעוּדָה!mazal tov al ha't'uda!Congratulations on the certificate!
- מַזָּל טוֹב, אֲנִי שְׂמֵחַ עָלֶיךָ.mazal tov, ani same'ach alecha.Congratulations, I am happy for you.
Example conversation
Daniel and Maya are talking about Maya's new apartment.
- דניאל Danielמאיה, שמעתי שעברת דירה, מַזָּל טוֹב!Maya, shama'ti sheavart dira, mazal tov!Maya, I heard you moved house, congratulations!
- מאיה Mayaתודה רבה, דניאל!Toda raba, Daniel!Thank you very much, Daniel!
- דניאל Danielהדירה החדשה גדולה יותר?Hadira hachadasha gdola yoter?Is the new apartment bigger?
- מאיה Mayaכן, היא הרבה יותר גדולה.Ken, hi harbe yoter gdola.Yes, it is much bigger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congratulations” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
