tienes muchos huevos
/tjenes mut͡ʃos webos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you have big balls" can be translated into Spanish as tienes muchos huevos.
This is an informal expression used to tell someone that they are very brave or courageous.
What does it mean word for word?
The word huevos literally means "eggs", but in this context, it is a slang term for testicles.
Which one should you use?
The phrase Tienes unos cojones enormes is an informal, direct translation used to express admiration for someone's daring attitude.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, Tienes unas bolas bien puestas is used informally to convey the same meaning.
Did you know?
- In Spain, the term cojones is so versatile that saying estoy hasta los cojones means you are fed up or have reached your limit of patience, rather than describing courage.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone an huevón is a common insult, but it can also be used among close friends to mean someone is a 'lazybones' or a 'slacker'.
- The expression tienes unos cojones enormes is widely used in Spain, but using cojones in some Latin American countries can be perceived as significantly more vulgar than using huevos.
Examples in context
- Tienes muchos huevos para hablarle así al jefe.You have big balls to talk to the boss like that.
Example conversation
Javier tells Lucía about a dangerous decision he made at work.
- JavierRenuncié a mi jefe hoy mismo.I quit my boss today.
- Lucía¡Vaya, tienes muchos huevos, Javier!Wow, you have big balls, Javier!
- JavierYa no podía aguantar más.I couldn't take it anymore.
- LucíaFue una decisión muy valiente.It was a very brave decision.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
