הגנה
haganá
The Hebrew word for protection is הגנה (haganá).
הגנה is used to refer to a means of keeping or remaining safe. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as seeking police protection or discussing the concept of self-defense, which is expressed by the phrase הגנה עצמית.
Meaning: means of keeping or remaining safe (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
הגנה is a feminine noun. Its plural form is הגנות.
How do you pronounce it?
haganá
Did you know?
- The word הגנה was the name of the clandestine paramilitary organization that served as the primary Zionist armed force before the state of Israel was established.
- The root letters of הגנה are the same as those in the word גן, which means 'garden'. Both concepts relate to an enclosed or protected space.
- In modern Hebrew, הגנה is the primary word used for 'defense' in sports, such as a 'defense' in basketball or soccer, whereas in English the term can vary more widely.
Examples in context
- היו הרבה תלונות על העדר הגנה משטרתית.There have been a lot of complaints about the lack of police protection.This sentence shows how to talk about the lack of police protection using הגנה.Tatoeba #5725134 by fekundulo, translation #954379 by CK
- אני צריך הגנה.I need protection.This sentence is a way to state that you need protection using הגנה.Tatoeba #6083314 by fekundulo, translation #2246012 by CK
- אינני צריך הגנה.I don't need protection.Tatoeba #2285286 by fekundulo, translation #2271892 by CK
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noam and Noa are discussing safety equipment for a sport.
- נועם Noamנועה, יש לך הגנה מספיקה לראש?Noa, yesh lach hagana maspika laroash?Noa, do you have enough protection for your head?
- נועה Noaכן, חבשתי קסדה.Ken, chavashiti kasda.Yes, I put on a helmet.
- נועם Noamזה חשוב כדי לקבל הגנה מלאה.Ze chashuv kedei lekabel hagana mele'a.It is important to get full protection.
- נועה Noaאני מסכימה, זה הכי בטוח.Ani maskima, ze hachi batuach.I agree, it is the safest.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry הגנה, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
