ביצים
betzimplural
The Hebrew word for "balls" is ביצים (betzim).
In Hebrew, ביצים is used as vulgar slang for testicles. Much like in English, it is also used metaphorically to describe someone having the courage, guts or nerve to do something.
Meaning: slang for testicles (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ביצים literally means "eggs".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
This is a vulgar slang term.
How does it change in a sentence?
ביצים is a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
betzim
Did you know?
- In casual Israeli street slang, the term is often used as an exclamation of disbelief or shock, similar to how one might use 'holy crap' in English.
- While ביצים refers to testicles in slang, it is the standard non-slang word for 'eggs' in a grocery store or kitchen. The meaning is distinguished entirely by context.
- In Hebrew, the word ביצה is feminine, meaning that even when referring to male anatomy, the grammar remains feminine.
Examples in context
- אין לי לזה ביצים ואני יודע את זה.I haven't got the balls and I know it.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to express a lack of courage using the form ביצים.Tatoeba #6061317 by fekundulo, translation #1185283 by paula_guisard
- יש לו הרבה ביצים.yesh lo harbe beitzim.He has a lot of balls.
- מגיע לו, יש לו ביצים.magia lo, yesh lo beitzim.He deserves it, he has balls.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a coworker's bold decision.
- רוטם Rotemהוא באמת עשה את זה?hu be'emet asa et ze?Did he really do that?
- דניאל Danielכן, יש לו ביצים.ken, yesh lo beitzim.Yes, he has balls.
- רוטם Rotemאני לא מאמינה שהוא העז לדבר ככה.ani lo ma'amina she'hu he'ez ledaber kacha.I can't believe he dared to speak like that.
- דניאל Danielהוא פשוט לא מפחד מכלום.hu pashut lo mefached mi'klum.He just isn't afraid of anything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “balls” translations and entries ביצים, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
