Mazel is a term derived from the Yiddish word mazl, which translates to "luck" or "fortune" in English. In Hebrew, the equivalent term is mazal (מזל). The term is widely used in Jewish culture to refer to a person's luck or fortune, often in the context of life events or personal circumstances. For example, one might say "Mazel tov" (מזל טוב), which literally translates to "good luck" and is commonly used to congratulate someone on a happy occasion. The term also appears in other languages with Jewish influence, such as Ladino, where it is spelled mazal. In broader cultural contexts, mazel can also refer to the concept of destiny or fate, reflecting the belief that certain events are predetermined or influenced by external forces beyond one's control.