Mazal Tov
/ˌmɑːzəl ˈtɔːv/noun
An expression used to offer congratulations or good wishes, especially after a happy event.
Did you know?In Jewish tradition, mazal originally referred to a zodiacal constellation or celestial influence, while tov means “good” in Hebrew.
Etymological Timeline
2nd Millennium BCE
Akkadian
manzāzu
“A station or position; possibly connected with the later idea of a celestial station”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
מַזָּל (mazzāl)
“A constellation, zodiacal sign, or celestial influence”
Late Antiquity
Rabbinic Hebrew
מַזָּל טוֹב (mazzāl ṭōv)
“Good constellation or favorable fortune”
Medieval Period
Yiddish
מזל־טוב (mazl tov)
“A congratulatory wish invoking good fortune”
19th Century
English
mazel tov
“An adopted expression of congratulations”
Modern English
English
Mazal Tov
“A phrase used to celebrate someone’s success, marriage, birth, or other joyful event”