Inklingo

How to Say "guts" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “guts” is “agallas” — use this for general courage or bravery, especially when facing a difficult or intimidating situation..

agallas🔊B2

Use this for general courage or bravery, especially when facing a difficult or intimidating situation.

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coraje🔊A2

This is a good general-purpose word for courage or inner strength, suitable for most situations where someone acts bravely despite fear or difficulty.

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estómagoB2

Use this figuratively when 'guts' refers to tolerance or the nerve to endure something unpleasant, rather than active bravery.

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huevo🔊B2

This informal term is used to mean courage or bravery, often implying a bold or daring action, similar to 'balls'.

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hígadoB2

Use this informal term to describe significant courage, boldness, or nerve, often in challenging or confrontational circumstances.

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bolas🔊B2

This is a very informal and common slang term for courage or bravery, often used when someone needs to be bold or confrontational.

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pelotas🔊C1

Similar to 'bolas', this is informal slang for courage or bravery, typically used when someone needs to show boldness or determination.

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arresto🔊C1

Use this informal term when 'guts' refers specifically to the nerve or courage to do something, often something difficult or requiring confession.

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English → Spanish

agallas

ah-GAH-yas/aˈɣaʎas/

nounB2standard
Use this for general courage or bravery, especially when facing a difficult or intimidating situation.
A tiny, brave mouse standing confidently on the ground before a large, gentle dog, symbolizing courage.

Examples

Para enfrentarte a ese jefe, necesitas tener muchas agallas.

To face that boss, you need to have a lot of guts.

No tuvo las agallas de decirle la verdad.

He didn't have the nerve (or guts) to tell her the truth.

Ella demostró sus agallas al saltar en paracaídas por primera vez.

She showed her grit by skydiving for the first time.

Always Plural

This figurative meaning is almost always used in the plural form: 'las agallas'. You rarely hear 'una agalla' in this context.

Confusing Gills and Courage

Mistake: “Using 'agallas' in a formal or technical setting when referring to courage (e.g., in a legal report).”

Correction: Use 'valentía' or 'coraje' for formal contexts; save 'agallas' for casual conversation.

coraje

/koh-RAH-heh//koˈɾa.xe/

nounA2standard
This is a good general-purpose word for courage or inner strength, suitable for most situations where someone acts bravely despite fear or difficulty.
A small child standing bravely in front of a slightly intimidating but friendly-looking obstacle, holding a wooden shield.

Examples

Tuvo el coraje de decir la verdad a pesar de las consecuencias.

He had the courage to tell the truth despite the consequences.

Se necesita mucho coraje para empezar un negocio desde cero.

It takes a lot of bravery to start a business from scratch.

Gender Rule

Even though 'coraje' ends in '-e', it is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el coraje' or 'un coraje'.

Using 'Coraje' for Physical Heart

Mistake: “Me duele el coraje. (I have a pain in my courage.)”

Correction: Use 'corazón' for the physical organ: 'Me duele el corazón.' (I have a pain in my heart.)

estómago

nounB2standard
Use this figuratively when 'guts' refers to tolerance or the nerve to endure something unpleasant, rather than active bravery.

Examples

No tengo estómago para ver películas de terror.

I don't have the stomach (or tolerance) to watch horror movies.

huevo

OO-EH-voh/ˈweβo/

nounB2informal
This informal term is used to mean courage or bravery, often implying a bold or daring action, similar to 'balls'.
A tiny, determined mouse standing confidently on the edge of a large, steep wooden step, illustrating bravery.

Examples

Tienes que echarle más huevos a este proyecto si quieres terminarlo a tiempo.

You have to put more effort/guts into this project if you want to finish it on time.

Se necesita mucho huevo para decirle la verdad a tu jefe.

It takes a lot of guts to tell your boss the truth.

Using 'Echarle'

The phrase 'echarle huevos' (to put guts into it) means to apply intense effort or dedication. It's often used reflexively or with 'le' referring to the task.

hígado

nounB2informal
Use this informal term to describe significant courage, boldness, or nerve, often in challenging or confrontational circumstances.

Examples

Hay que tener mucho hígado para enfrentarse a esa situación.

You have to have a lot of guts/nerve to face that situation.

bolas

BOH-lahs/ˈbo.las/

nounB2informal
This is a very informal and common slang term for courage or bravery, often used when someone needs to be bold or confrontational.
A tiny, determined squirrel standing confidently at the base of a gigantic oak tree, ready to climb, symbolizing courage.

Examples

Tienes que tener bolas para decirle eso al jefe.

You have to have guts (or 'balls') to say that to the boss.

¡Qué bolas las tuyas! ¿Cómo hiciste eso?

What nerve you have! How did you do that?

High-Risk Word

This meaning is highly vulgar in many Spanish-speaking areas. Use with caution and only among close friends in very informal settings.

pelotas

/peh-LOH-tahs//peˈlotas/

nounC1informal
Similar to 'bolas', this is informal slang for courage or bravery, typically used when someone needs to show boldness or determination.
Two large, heavy, gray iron cannonballs resting side-by-side on a rough wooden surface, symbolizing toughness.

Examples

Tienes que echarle pelotas si quieres enfrentarte al jefe.

You have to have guts (or 'balls') if you want to confront the boss.

¡Estoy hasta las pelotas de este ruido!

I'm fed up (literally, 'up to my balls') with this noise!

Grammatical Gender vs. Meaning

Even in this vulgar sense, 'pelotas' remains a feminine plural noun, so it always uses 'las' and feminine adjectives.

arresto

/ah-RREHS-toh//aˈrresto/

nounC1informal
Use this informal term when 'guts' refers specifically to the nerve or courage to do something, often something difficult or requiring confession.
A small figure standing confidently and bravely on a high, rocky mountain peak, looking out over a vast landscape, symbolizing courage.

Examples

No tuvo los arrestos para confesar su error.

He didn't have the nerve (or guts) to confess his mistake.

Se necesita mucho arresto para iniciar un negocio así.

It takes a lot of spirit to start a business like that.

Figurative Plural

When used to mean 'courage' or 'guts,' it is very commonly used in the plural form: 'los arrestos'.

Informal vs. Standard Terms

The most common mistake is using highly informal terms like 'bolas', 'huevos', or 'pelotas' in situations that call for standard vocabulary. While these slang terms are widely understood, they can sound inappropriate in formal contexts. Stick to 'agallas' or 'coraje' unless you are sure the informal register is acceptable.

Related Translations

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