palle grandi
The English phrase "big balls" can be translated into Italian as palle grandi.
The phrase is a literal description of large testicles.
Which one should you use?
While palle grandi is the default form, palle enormi is a widely understood variation used throughout Italy. For a more explicit and informal way to express the concept of boldness, one might use coglioni enormi.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Northern Italy, particularly in Milan and the Lombardy region, the colloquial expression maroni grossi is used to refer to "big balls".
Did you know?
- The word coglioni comes from the verb cogliere, which means 'to pluck' or 'to pick', implying that the testicles are like fruit to be harvested.
- Calling someone a coglione in Italian does not usually mean they have 'big balls', but rather that they are an idiot.
- The expression che palle! is a very common exclamation used when someone is frustrated or bored. It is the equivalent of saying 'What a pain!' in English, regardless of any physical size mentioned.
Examples in context
- Il suo coraggio è evidente: ha grandi palle!His courage is evident: he has big balls!
- Sei proprio un tipo con coglioni enormi!You're really a guy with huge balls!
- Il cane ha delle palle grandi.The dog has big balls.
- Non riesco a immaginare delle palle grandi così.I can't imagine big balls like those.
- Stai parlando di palle grandi?Are you talking about big balls?
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are talking about a sculpture in a museum.
- ChiaraGuarda questa statua, ha le palle grandi!Look at this statue, it has big balls!
- MatteoSì, l'artista ha esagerato molto.Yes, the artist really exaggerated.
- ChiaraSono davvero palle grandi.They are really big balls.
- MatteoÈ uno stile particolare, Chiara.It's a particular style, Chiara.
