מגן
magén/maːˈɡin/
The Hebrew word for "shield" is מגן (magén).
Meaning: armor (noun)
Which one should you use?
While מגן is the common term, צִנָּה is a more literary or poetic word used specifically for a shield that is encompassing or circular in form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of מגן is מגנים. Although מגן is the standard masculine noun, the feminine form מגנה exists and is used in specific technical contexts, such as referring to a "protective shield" like a protective layer.
How do you pronounce it?
magén
Did you know?
- The 'Star of David' is known in Hebrew as מגן דוד, which translates literally as the 'Shield of David'.
- In modern Hebrew, מגן is used for a variety of non-combat shields, such as a 'sunshade' for a car or a 'screen protector' for a phone.
- The word מגן shares the same linguistic root as the Arabic word مِجَنّ and the ancient Phoenician 𐤌𐤂𐤍.
Examples in context
- אין לי מגן.I have no shield.This sentence is useful for expressing that you do not possess a shield.Tatoeba #11875787 by shekitten, translation #6090571 by mailohilohi
- אני צריך מגן.I need a shield.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a shield.Tatoeba #11875793 by shekitten, translation #6090572 by mailohilohi
- תביא לי מגן, בבקשהPlease bring me a shield.
- הוא היה לי מגן ותומךHe was a shield and supporter for me.
- פרזוליה הייתה בעלת מגן קסוםPerzulia had a magical shield.
- החייל מחזיק מגן כבד.ha-hayal machaziq magen kaved.The soldier is holding a heavy shield.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rotem and Noam are playing a fantasy video game together.
- רוטם Rotemנועם, איפה המגן שלך?Noam, eyfo hamagen shelcha?Noam, where is your shield?
- נועם Noamשכחתי לקנות מגן בחנות.Shachachti liknot magen bachanut.I forgot to buy a shield at the shop.
- רוטם Rotemאתה צריך מגן כדי לשרוד.Ata tsarich magen kedei lisrod.You need a shield to survive.
- נועם Noamאת צודקת, אני אלך לחפש אחד.At tzodeket, ani elech lechapes echad.You are right, I will go look for one.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
