מַזָּל
mazálmasculine
The English word 'luck' can be translated into Hebrew as מַזָּל (mazál) or גָּד. If unsure, use מַזָּל.
Meaning: something that happens to someone by chance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| מַזָּל | mazál | masculine |
| גָּד | gad | masculine |
Both words refer to something that happens to someone by chance. מַזָּל is the standard term for luck, while גָּד is used in more literary or archaic contexts to refer to fortune.
Which one should you use?
While מַזָּל translates to luck, it is most frequently used as part of the common phrase mazal tov to offer congratulations. In contrast, גָּד serves as a more formal, archaic or literary term for luck and fortune.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun מַזָּל is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
mazál
Did you know?
- In Hebrew astrology, the word מַזָּל originally referred to a constellation or an astrological sign that determined a person's fate.
- The term מַזָּל טוֹב is used so broadly in Israel that saying 'good luck' is actually the standard way to say 'congratulations' for almost any happy achievement.
- While 'luck' in English is often neutral, the Hebrew word מַזָּל is frequently used in the positive sense when people offer it as a blessing.
Examples in context
- יש לו מַזָּל רַעYesh lo mazal ra
- אין לי מַזָּל היום.ein li mazal hayom.I have no luck today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “luck” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
