mazel tov
/maθel tob/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'mazal tov' is expressed in Spanish using the Hebrew loanword mazel tov.
While the phrase appears in Spanish contexts, it is a Hebrew loanword used specifically within Spanish-speaking Jewish communities. It is used to express congratulations for a happy or auspicious event.
When do people say it?
In Spanish-speaking Jewish communities, mazel tov is used. For general well-wishes in Spanish, one might use expressions such as ¡Que tengas mucho éxito! (May you have much success!) or ¡Mis mejores deseos! (My best wishes!).
Did you know?
- In some Sephardic traditions in Spain and Latin America, phrases like mazel tov were historically preserved in Ladino, a Judeo-Spanish language that blends Spanish and Hebrew.
- While mazel tov is used in Spanish-speaking Jewish communities, it is often paired with the Spanish word ¡Felicidades! to blend the cultural and linguistic identity of the speaker.
- If you are in a Spanish-speaking country and want to congratulate someone on a wedding without using the Hebrew term, using ¡Enhorabuena! is often considered more elegant and formal than the common ¡Felicidades!
Examples in context
- ¡Felicidades por tu matrimonio!Congratulations on your marriage!
- ¡Mazel tov por tu graduación!Mazel tov on your graduation!
- ¡Mazel tov por el nuevo bebé!Mazel tov on the new baby!
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are celebrating a friend's engagement at a cafe.
- Elena¡Mazel tov por tu compromiso, Javier!Mazel tov on your engagement, Javier!
- JavierMuchas gracias, Elena.Thank you very much, Elena.
- ElenaEstamos muy felices por ustedes.We are very happy for you both.
- JavierEs un momento muy especial.It is a very special moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
