"Mazal tov" is an expression quite often used in life and in movies. It obviously does not come from the Russian language, so even to guess what "mazl tov" means without a brief digression into Hebrew - this is where this phrase comes from! - will not work. In this article, we will try to understand the etymology of the word (its origin), determine the meaning, features of use in the original language and beyond.
Where did it come from
The phrase mentioned above does not sound the same in different languages. So, in addition to "mazal tov", you can also find the variant "mazal tov", and in writing it is completely merged: "mazltov". It is interesting that it came from Yiddish, but it got into Hebrew much later. In the United States of America, this expression is considered part of the national language. It was first included in the English dictionary as an independent lexical unit back in 1862.
Often it can be found in English-speaking, often just American, TV shows and films. For example, in South Park it isthe phrase is pronounced by a Jewish boy. This phrase slips several times in the lexicon of the famous cynic Gregory House from the cult series "House Doctor", in the lexicon of the hysterical doctor Bykov from "Interns" tracing from "Doctor House" - similarly.
What does it mean
What does "mazel tov" mean anyway? "Mazal tov" is just a wish for good luck. The expression consists of the words "mazl" (luck, fate, luck) and "tov" (good). Thus, the translation of "mazl tov" into Russian is "good luck." Those who know English can easily notice how much the expression good luck familiar to everyone looks like a simple tracing paper with "mazel tov".
How to use it
However, the phrase is used not quite like a wish for good luck in the already agreed Russian and English languages. "Mazal tov" is a phrase used primarily as a meaning of any joyful, happy, important event in the life of a person or group of people.
It has a certain ritual meaning. So, when the groom breaks a glass at a Jewish wedding, it is customary for the guests to joyfully exclaim in chorus: "Mazal tov!" is a tradition.
However, in Israel, the phrase can be used in a wide variety of situations, whether it is the birth of a child, getting a new job, passing exams, and so on. Often it is used, on the contrary, in difficult life situations to cheer up a person who is sufferingtrouble.
Nevertheless, in the world the phrase, although recognizable, is still not used as often as the usual congratulations in the language of their people. Used by a non-Jewish person and/or addressed to a non-Jewish person may have the meaning of a reference to Jews, Jewish culture, Judaism.
Thus, the expression "mazl tov" used in the speech or text of any work of art is in any case a bright, noticeable device, since the expression is quite textured in itself and has a rich associative range. However, as with most borrowed, semantically strong words, you should be quite careful and responsible when using it.
