agallas
/aˈɡaʝas/
The English phrase moxy can be translated into Spanish as agallas.
The term agallas is used figuratively to describe someone's courage, grit or audacity.
What does it mean word for word?
The word agallas literally means 'gills' (the respiratory organs of fish).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial expression tener dos narices is used to convey a similar meaning to moxy.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you use the verb 'tener' (to have) to express that someone possesses this quality.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈɡaʝas/
Did you know?
- While agallas refers to 'gills', Spanish speakers also use huevos (eggs) to describe having moxy. In this context, 'eggs' is a colloquial euphemism for testicles.
- Depending on the region, tener agallas can shift from meaning 'bravery' to meaning 'cheekiness', describing someone who is being bold in an annoying or disrespectful way.
- While agallas is safe for all audiences, the anatomical expression tener cojones is a much stronger, more aggressive way to express the same sentiment of audacity.
Examples in context
- Andrea tiene una garra impresionante para luchar por sus sueños.Andrea has an impressive moxy to fight for her dreams.
- Admiro su fortaleza para enfrentar los desafíos de la vida.I admire his moxy to face life's challenges.
- Ese hombre tiene muchas agallas.That man has a lot of moxie.
- Tienes muchas agallas para decir eso.You have a lot of moxie to say that.
- Necesito alguien con agallas para este trabajo.I need someone with moxie for this job.
- Ella demostró sus agallas en la competencia.She showed her moxie in the competition.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a risky career move.
- ElenaVoy a renunciar para empezar mi empresa.I am going to quit to start my company.
- Daniel¡Vaya, Elena, tienes agallas!Wow, Elena, you have moxy!
- ElenaTengo que intentarlo ahora.I have to try it now.
- DanielTe deseo mucha suerte, Daniel.I wish you a lot of luck, Daniel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry agallas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
