מזל טוב
mazel tov
The Yiddish word for congratulations is מזל טוב (mazel tov).
מזל טוב is used to express congratulations on happy occasions, such as weddings, births or achievements.
Meaning: expressing approbation (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase מזל טוב literally means 'good luck'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ukraine, one might hear azoyne brokhe un hatzlokh instead of מזל טוב to imply blessings and good luck alongside congratulations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase מזל טוב is an invariable idiom, meaning it does not change its form for plural or singular contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
mazel tov
Did you know?
- The word מזל does not originally mean 'luck' in the sense of chance, but refers to a 'constellation' or 'star' that determines one's fate.
- While מזל טוב is used for congratulations, it is often considered a faux pas to say it before a birth or wedding has actually happened. In some circles, this is thought to tempt fate.
- In some Yiddish-speaking contexts, if you are congratulating someone on a wedding, it is customary to follow מזל טוב with a wish for 'nachas', meaning the joy derived from children.
Example conversation
Sarah tells Berl about her new job.
- שרה Saraבערל, איך האב אַ נייעם דזשוב!Berl, ikh hob a nayem dzhob!Berl, I have a new job!
- בערל Berelמזל טוב, שרה!Mazel tov, Sarah!Congratulations, Sarah!
- שרה Saraאַ דאַנק, איך בין זייער פֿרייליך.A dank, ikh bin zeyer fraylikh.Thank you, I am very happy.
- בערל Berelדו האסט עס פֿארדינט.Du hast es fordint.You deserved it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries מזל, CC BY-SA 4.0.
