Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pelotas | /peˈlotas/ | feminine, plural |
| bolas | /ˈbolas/ | feminine, plural |
| huevos | /ˈw̝ebos/ | masculine, plural |
| cojones | /koˈxones/ | masculine, plural |
While the English word "balls" can refer to both spherical objects and anatomy, the Spanish translations vary significantly between neutral descriptions of objects and vulgar slang for testicles.
Which one should you use?
The term bolas is generally used to refer to round objects or spheres and is not typically used as slang for testicles unless in specific very informal contexts. In contrast, huevos is a very common slang term for testicles, literally meaning "eggs". The term cojones is a more vulgar and forceful slang term for testicles than huevos or pelotas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bolas is a neutral term for spheres. Huevos is considered informal slang. Pelotas and cojones are both vulgar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Colombians use the term huevos to refer to "balls" informally.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˈlotas/
When do people say it?
The phrase tener huevos is used idiomatically to mean having courage or guts.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, cojones can be used as an exclamation of anger or surprise, similar to how English speakers use 'damn' or 'hell', without referring to anatomy at all.
- In Spain, calling someone gilipollas is a common insult, and while it sounds similar to a word for 'balls', it actually refers to someone being a 'fool' or an 'idiot'.
- The etymology of cojones traces back to the Latin word cōleus, which originally meant a 'sack' or 'scrotum'.
Examples in context
- Te gustan las pelotas.You like balls.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of pelotas.Tatoeba #1467971 by marcelostockle, translation #20126 by shekitten
- Las bolas son redondas.Balls are round.This sentence demonstrates the neutral use of bolas for round objects.Tatoeba #1281243 by marcelostockle, translation #33654 by CK
- Él se rascó los huevos.He scratched his balls.This sentence shows the common slang usage of huevos.Tatoeba #3813408 by ulymarrero, translation #1996926 by Spamster
- El niño está jugando con pelotas en el parque.The child is playing with balls in the park.
- ¡Qué huevos tienes!You've got some nerve!
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about a vulgar joke a friend made.
- JavierEse tipo solo habla de las pelotas.That guy only talks about balls.
- MaríaEs un comentario muy vulgar.It is a very vulgar comment.
- JavierNo tiene ni un poco de respeto.He has no respect at all.
- MaríaEs un hombre muy desagradable.He is a very unpleasant man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “balls” translations and entries pelotas, bolas, huevos, cojones, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cojones, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
