מגן
magén/maːˈɡin/
The Hebrew word for protector is מגן (magén).
The noun refers to someone who protects or guards. It is also used to mean a 'shield'.
Meaning: someone who protects or guards (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is מגן. To refer to a female protector, use the feminine form מגינה. The masculine plural form is מגנים.
How do you pronounce it?
magén
Did you know?
- The word מגן also refers to a 'shield', and it is used in the name of the 'Magen David' (Shield of David), the symbol most commonly associated with Jewish identity.
- The word מגן is a cognate with the Arabic word مِجَنّ (mijann) and the ancient Phoenician word 𐤌𐤂𐤍 (mgn).
- While מגן means protector, the Hebrew word for 'protection' is הגנה (haganah), which is the root of the name of the primary paramilitary organization that preceded the Israeli army.
Examples in context
- הכלב הוא מגן טוב למשפחה.The dog is a good protector for the family.
- הוא מגן נאמן של המשפחה.hu magen ne'aman shel ha'mishpacha.He is a faithful protector of the family.
- הכלב הזה הוא מגן מצוין.ha'kelev haze hu magen metzuyan.This dog is an excellent protector.
Example conversation
Agur and Daniel are discussing the role of a security guard.
- עגור Adiמי המגן של הבניין הזה?Mi ha-magen shel ha-binyan ha-ze?Who is the protector of this building?
- דניאל Danielיש כאן שומר בפתח.Yesh kan shomer ba-peta'h.There is a guard here at the entrance.
- עגור Adiהוא נראה כמו מגן אמין.Hu nir'e kmo magen amin.He looks like a reliable protector.
- דניאל Danielכן, הוא עושה עבודה טובה.Ken, hu ose avoda tovah.Yes, he is doing a good job.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry מגן, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries מגן, CC BY-SA 4.0.
