金玉
kingyoku[kʲĩŋʲɡʲo̞kɯ̟]
The English phrase 'testicles' is translated into Japanese as 金玉 (kingyoku).
The term refers to the two male reproductive organs that produce sperm.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 金玉 is composed of the kanji for 'gold' (金) and 'ball/sphere' (玉), literally translating to 'golden balls'.
Which one should you use?
While 金玉 is an informal term, タマ is a widely recognized slang word for testicles and 睾丸 is a formal way to refer to testicles used by professionals and in medical contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
金玉 is a colloquial and somewhat crude way to refer to testicles, similar to 'balls' in English. For a more polite or medical approach, use the formal 睾丸 or use the slang タマ in casual settings.
How do you pronounce it?
kingyoku
Did you know?
- The word 金玉 shares its historical roots with the term for 'precious jewels' or 'fine ornaments' in classical literature. It originally described something of high value and beauty before it became a slang term for anatomy.
- In modern Japanese, the word タマ is so versatile that it can refer to a marble, a billiard ball, an eyeball or even a bullet.
- The term 金玉 can be read using the phonetic reading 'kingyoku', which gives it a formal, classical sound that contrasts with its slang meaning.
Examples in context
- 友達の間で、タマの腫れについて話し合っていました。Among friends, they were discussing swelling in the testicles.
- 金玉が痛いです。kintama ga itai desu.My testicles hurt.
- 金玉をぶつけた。kintama o butsuketa.I hit my testicles.
- 金玉を大切にする。kintama o taisetsu ni suru.Take care of your testicles.
Example conversation
A young man is explaining a minor injury to his girlfriend.
- 結衣 Yuiどうしたの？顔色が悪いよ。doushita no? kaoiro ga warui yo.What's wrong? You look pale.
- 陽太 Yota金玉を少し痛めたんだ。kintama o sukoshi itameta nda.I hurt my testicles a little.
- 結衣 Yui大丈夫？病院に行く？daijoubu? byouin ni iku?Are you okay? Should we go to the hospital?
- 陽太 Yotaいや、少し休めば大丈夫だよ。iya, sukoshi yasumeba daijoubu da yo.No, I'll be fine if I rest a bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 金玉, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 金玉, CC BY-SA 4.0.
