金玉
kintama[kʲĩŋʲɡʲo̞kɯ̟]
The English slang term "balls" can be translated into Japanese as 金玉 (kintama).
金玉 is used as a slang term for testicles.
Meaning: slang for testicles (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 金玉 literally means "golden balls".
Which one should you use?
金玉 is the slang version, whereas 睾丸 (kougan) is the specific term used in medical or academic contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
金玉 is an informal and vulgar term that should be used with caution in polite company. For formal or medical situations, use 睾丸.
How do you pronounce it?
kintama
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, calling someone's courage 'balls' does not use 金玉, but rather phrases related to the 'guts' or 'liver' (肝), as the liver is the seat of courage in Japanese culture.
- In Japanese comedy and variety shows, the term 金玉 is frequently censored with a beep or a mosaic, even if no actual nudity is shown.
- While 金玉 is vulgar, the word 玉 is used in the common phrase 玉砕 ('gyokusai'), which refers to an honorable death or a 'shattered jewel' in military history.
Examples in context
- 金玉が痛い。kintama ga itai.My balls hurt.
- 金玉をぶつけた。kintama o butsuketa.I hit my balls.
- 金玉を大事にしろよ。kintama o daiji ni shiro yo.Take care of your balls.
Example conversation
Kenta is complaining about a sports injury to Yui.
- 健太 Kentaさっき金玉を打ったんだ。Sakki kintama o utta nda.I just got hit in the balls.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫？かなり痛そう。Daijoubu? Kanari itasou.Are you okay? That looks really painful.
- 健太 Kenta今はまだ痛みが強いよ。Ima wa mada itami ga tsuyoi yo.The pain is still strong right now.
- 結衣 Yuiすぐに病院に行ったほうがいいよ。Sugu ni byouin ni itta hou ga ii yo.You should go to the hospital right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “balls” translations and entries 金玉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
