Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pelotas | /peˈlotas/ | feminine, plural |
| bolas | /ˈbolas/ | feminine, plural |
| huevos | /ˈw̝ebos/ | masculine, plural |
| cojones | /koˈxones/ | masculine, plural |
While these words can refer to spherical objects, they are frequently used as slang for testicles. The term huevos is also used idiomatically in the phrase tener huevos, which means to have courage or "guts".
Which one should you use?
The term bolas is a neutral term for spheres and is less vulgar than the other options. In contrast, huevos literally means "eggs" but is a common slang term for testicles. Pelotas and cojones are both vulgar, but cojones is considered a more aggressive and vulgar term than either huevos or pelotas. For a formal way to describe spherical shapes, you can use esferas. Additionally, the diminutive pelotitas can be used to refer to "little balls".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Bolas is a neutral term for spheres. Huevos and pelotas are vulgar or slang, while cojones is highly vulgar and aggressive. For formal contexts involving spherical shapes, use esferas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, huevos is a common informal term used to refer to balls.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to one's own testicles in a slang context, Spanish speakers almost always use the definite article los instead of a possessive adjective.
How do you pronounce it?
/peˈlotas/
Did you know?
- The expression tener los huevos cuadrados suggests that someone is incredibly stubborn or inflexible.
- In Spanish, the word huevos is used in the expression a huevo in Mexico to mean 'absolutely' or 'of course'.
- The term cojones descends from the Latin word cōleus, which specifically referred to a 'sack' or 'scrotum'.
Examples in context
- Te gustan las pelotas.You like balls.This sentence shows the use of pelotas.Tatoeba #1467971 by marcelostockle, translation #20126 by shekitten
- Las bolas son redondas.Balls are round.This sentence illustrates the use of bolas.Tatoeba #1281243 by marcelostockle, translation #33654 by CK
- Él se rascó los huevos.He scratched his balls.This sentence demonstrates the use of huevos with the definite article.Tatoeba #3813408 by ulymarrero, translation #1996926 by Spamster
- Juguemos con pelotas de fútbolLet's play with soccer balls
- Las esferas de Navidad son redondasChristmas balls are round
- Vamos a jugar con las bolas de tenisLet's play with the tennis balls
- El gato juega con las pelotitas de lanaThe cat plays with the little balls of wool
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are arguing about a dangerous dare.
- Mateo¡Hazlo! No seas cobarde.Do it! Don't be a coward.
- SofíaNo tengo las pelotas para hacer eso.I don't have the balls to do that.
- MateoPensé que eras más valiente.I thought you were braver.
- SofíaNo me obligues a saltar.Don't force me to jump.
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.
