In German
Toi, toi, toi!
Meaning: good luck (superstitious, like knocking on wood)
Formal or informal? Casual and a bit theatrical in origin — commonly said before exams, performances, or auctions, often accompanied by knocking on wood or a pretend spitting sound (“tfu tfu tfu”), believed to ward off bad luck.
Example sentences
Toi,toi,toifürdeinePrüfung!
Toi toi toi for your exam!
Toi,toi,toi,duschaffstdasschon!
Toi toi toi, you'll do great!
Toi,toi,toifürdenAuftrittheuteAbend!
Toi toi toi for tonight's performance!
Common mistake
Don't say “Viel Glück” to an actor before a performance — like in English theatre superstition, it's considered bad luck; “Toi, toi, toi” is the traditional substitute.
Quick check
Which superstitious phrase wishes good luck, often said before performances or exams?
More words on this topic
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Where does “Toi, toi, toi” come from?
Its exact origin is debated, but it's linked to a pretend spitting sound (warding off evil/bad luck) and is especially associated with theater tradition.
Is “Toi, toi, toi” the same as “Viel Glück”?
Similar meaning, but “Toi, toi, toi” carries superstitious, theatrical overtones, especially used before performances, exams, or risky undertakings.