bolas
neutral, plural of bola
The ordinary word is bolas, the plural of bola, used for balls in football, tennis and other games. In Portugal Bolas! is also a mild exclamation like "darn!" It is also called colhões.
Meaning: round objects for games, and slang (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| bolas | neutral, plural of bola |
| colhões | vulgar |
| Bolas! | mild, exclamation |
You can say Passa a bola for "pass the ball". Bolas! expresses annoyance without being rude.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The vulgar slang for testicles is colhões, which is offensive. Do not use it in polite conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Bola is feminine, so the plural is as bolas.
Did you know?
- Bola de Berlim is a popular Portuguese doughnut sold on beaches, filled with custard.
Examples in context
- As crianças brincam com bolas.The children play with balls.
- Bolas, perdi o autocarro!Darn, I missed the bus!
- Passa-me a bola.Pass me the ball.
Example conversation
Rui and his son Miguel play football in a park in Setúbal.
- MiguelPai, passa a bola!Dad, pass the ball!
- RuiToma lá. Bolas, caiu na lama.Here you go. Darn, it fell in the mud.
- MiguelNão faz mal.No problem.
