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Where does the word "mazel tov" come from? It comes from Hebrew mazal tov, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).
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Where does the word "mazel tov" come from? It comes from Hebrew mazal tov, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).
Mazel tov’s story begins in Hebrew: mazal tov meant “good luck, a good star.” Literally good luck, or more precisely a good constellation, wishing someone fortune. It reached English by 1800s as mazel tov. Hebrew 'good fortune', from 'mazal', constellation or luck. Today, mazel tov means an expression of congratulations or good wishes.
- Stage 1 · Hebrew · medieval mazal tov "good luck, a good star", literally good luck, or more precisely a good constellation, wishing someone fortune.
- Stage 2 · English · 1800s mazel tov "congratulations, an expression of good wishes", Hebrew 'good fortune', from 'mazal', constellation or luck.