cojones
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testicles, courage, guts, nerve
/koˈxones/
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A Spanish slang term for testicles that also means courage or boldness.
Examples
Los cojones son esenciales para la producción de esperma.
The testicles are essential for sperm production.
Ese jugador tiene cojones para intentar ese tiro.
That player has the nerve to attempt that shot.
Se necesita cojones para lanzar una startup.
Launching a startup requires guts.
Los cojones de los machos de la especie son más grandes.
The males' testicles are larger.
Los políticos sin cojones nunca cambian la ley.
Politicians without courage never change the law.
Similar words
huevos
brío
testículos
audacia
entereza
cocos
bolas
osadía
pichas
cajones
Meanings
Usage
Use cojones when referring to the testicles as a pair.
Examples
Me duele cojones después del entrenamiento.
My testicles hurt after the workout.
El médico revisó mis cojones durante el examen.
The doctor examined my testicles during the check-up.
Los cojones son esenciales para la producción de esperma.
The testicles are essential for sperm production.
Después del accidente, se lesionaron sus cojones.
After the accident, his testicles were injured.
El torero se golpeó los cojones con la espada.
The bullfighter struck his testicles with the sword.
Los cojones de los machos de la especie son más grandes.
The males' testicles are larger.
El dolor en los cojones puede indicar una infección.
Pain in the testicles can indicate an infection.
Common mistakes
Using the plural for a single organ is incorrect.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Me duele los cojones.
| Me duelen los cojones.
|
| El doctor examinó mi cojón.
| El doctor examinó mis cojones.
|
| Tengo cojones grande.
| Tengo cojones grandes.
|
| Ella tiene cojones.
| Ella tiene coraje.
|
Similar words
testículos
bolas
huevos
pichas
cajones
cocos
Usage
Use cojones to describe someone with a lot of courage or daring.
Examples
¡Necesitas cojones para pedirle un aumento!
You need guts to ask for a raise!
Ese jugador tiene cojones para intentar ese tiro.
That player has the nerve to attempt that shot.
Con cojones, logró terminar el maratón.
With courage, he managed to finish the marathon.
No le vi cojones en la presentación.
I didn't see any boldness in his presentation.
Se necesita cojones para lanzar una startup.
Launching a startup requires guts.
¡Qué cojones tienes!
What nerve you have!
Los políticos sin cojones nunca cambian la ley.
Politicians without courage never change the law.
Common mistakes
Confusing the literal and figurative meanings leads to errors.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| Tiene muchos cojones para hablar así.
| Tiene mucho coraje para hablar así.
|
| Necesito cojones para saltar en paracaídas.
| Necesito valor para saltar en paracaídas.
|
| Ella tiene cojones, pero es una mujer.
| Ella tiene coraje, aunque es una mujer.
|
| No tienes cojones, solo eres tímido.
| No tienes coraje, solo eres tímido.
|
Similar words
valor
coraje
entereza
brío
osadía
audacia
Usage
Use cojones for the literal testicles or for informal talk about courage, matching the context.
Common mistakes
Using the plural for a single organ is wrong, and mixing the literal and figurative senses leads to confusion.
Etymology
From Spanish cojón, literally “testicle”, derived from Vulgar Latin coleonem.
FAQ
What does cojones mean in English?
It means testicles literally, and informally it refers to courage or boldness.
Is cojones a vulgar word?
Yes, it is considered vulgar when referring to the anatomical sense.
Can I use cojones to compliment someone’s bravery?
In informal contexts you can say someone has cojones to mean they are brave.
What is the singular form of cojones?
The singular form is cojón.
Is cojones used in other Spanish-speaking countries?
It is common in Spain and Latin America, especially in informal speech.
How is cojones pronounced?
It is pronounced /koˈxones/ in Spanish.
Are there polite alternatives for the anatomical sense?
Yes, you can use “testículos” or “bolas” in less vulgar contexts.
Can cojones be used as an adjective?
No, it is a noun; you would use related adjectives like “valiente” for bravery.
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