agallas
/aˈɡaʝas/feminine, plural
The English word "guts" is translated into Spanish as agallas.
In a colloquial sense, agallas refers to courage or audacity. It is very common to use the phrase tener agallas (to have guts) to describe a person's bravery.
Meaning: (slang) courage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, agallas means the gills of a fish.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Agallas is a colloquial way to express courage. If you need a formal term, use valor. For a very informal or vulgar way to say "guts" or "balls," you might hear the expression huevos in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word tripas can be used informally to refer to "guts."
How does it change in a sentence?
Agallas is a feminine plural noun. When using it to refer to courage, it is almost always used in this plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈɡaʝas/
Did you know?
- The term agallas is closely linked to the idea of breathing. Since gills allow a fish to breathe underwater, having agallas implies the ability to survive and keep calm in suffocating or high-pressure situations.
- In many Latin American countries, the vulgar term huevos (literally 'eggs') is used identically to how English speakers use 'balls' to describe bravery or audacity.
- In some Spanish dialects, the word cojones is used as a synonym for agallas or huevos. It is an extremely common but crude way to describe someone with immense courage.
Examples in context
- No tienes las agallas.You don't have the guts.This sentence shows how to use agallas in the negative.Tatoeba #1153414 by marcelostockle, translation #1153415 by CK
- Él tiene agallas.He has guts.This sentence uses agallas to describe someone's bravery.Tatoeba #1355636 by marcelostockle, translation #327952 by CK
- Tienes muchas agallas.You've got a lot of guts.This sentence shows how to express that someone has a lot of agallas.Tatoeba #637579 by Dejo, translation #16637 by CK
- Su coraje y determinación lo llevaron al éxito.His guts and determination led him to success.
- Mostró gran valor al enfrentar sus miedos.He showed great guts in facing his fears.
- ¡Ese chico tiene muchas agallas!That guy has a lot of guts!
- Tienes que tener huevos para enfrentar esa situación.You need to have guts to face that situation.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a difficult decision at work.
- Mateo¿Vas a renunciar a tu empleo hoy?Are you going to quit your job today?
- LucíaNo sé si tengo las agallas para hacerlo.I don't know if I have the guts to do it.
- MateoDebes demostrar que tienes agallas, Lucía.You must show that you have guts, Lucía.
- LucíaLo intentaré, Mateo.I will try, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “guts” translations and entries agallas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
