Inklingo

How to Say "nerve" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “nerve” is “nervio” — use this word when referring to the biological component of the nervous system, such as in anatomy or medicine.

nervio🔊A2

Use this word when referring to the biological component of the nervous system, such as in anatomy or medicine.

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valor🔊B1

Use this word to describe general courage or strength, often in the face of a challenge or danger.

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agallas🔊B2

Use this word to refer to daring or guts, especially when confronting a difficult or intimidating person or situation.

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huevo🔊B2

This colloquial term implies boldness and determination, often used when encouraging someone to put more effort or courage into an action.

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bolas🔊B2

A very informal and direct term for audacity or guts, often used in situations where someone needs to be very brave or confrontational.

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hígadoB2

Use this word to describe significant audacity or nerve required to handle a tough or unpleasant situation.

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fibra🔊B2

This refers to emotional sensitivity or a deep emotional response, often used when something touches a person deeply or exposes a vulnerability.

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arresto🔊C1

Use this word for a more formal or literary way to express audacity or boldness, particularly when someone lacks the courage to act.

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English → Spanish

nervio

NER-byohˈner.βjo

nounA2
Use this word when referring to the biological component of the nervous system, such as in anatomy or medicine.
A detailed close-up illustration of a single yellow nerve fiber branching out against a clean background.

Examples

El dentista dice que el nervio del diente está inflamado.

The dentist says the tooth nerve is inflamed.

El nervio óptico conecta el ojo con el cerebro.

The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain.

Puedes ver los nervios de la hoja si la pones a contraluz.

You can see the veins of the leaf if you hold it against the light.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in 'o', remember it always uses masculine markers like 'el' or 'un'.

Nerve vs. Bravery

Mistake: “Él tiene mucho nervio.”

Correction: Él tiene mucho valor / Ella tiene mucha cara.

valor

vah-LORbaˈloɾ

nounB1informal
Use this word to describe general courage or strength, often in the face of a challenge or danger.
A small child stands bravely and confidently, holding their chin up while facing a very large, non-threatening shadow of a creature in a dimly lit room.

Examples

Necesitas mucho valor para subir esa montaña.

You need a lot of courage to climb that mountain.

Demostró gran valor al ayudar a las víctimas del incendio.

He showed great bravery by helping the fire victims.

La niña tuvo el valor de confesar la verdad.

The girl had the courage to confess the truth.

Using 'Tener'

When you want to say someone 'has courage,' always use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tengo valor' (I have courage).

Mixing Adjective/Noun

Mistake: “Soy valor.”

Correction: Soy valiente. (Valor is the noun [courage]; Valiente is the adjective [brave]. You must say 'I am brave' using the adjective.)

agallas

ah-GAH-yasaˈɣaʎas

nounB2informal
Use this word to refer to daring or guts, especially when confronting a difficult or intimidating person or 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.

huevo

OO-EH-vohˈweβo

nounB2colloquial
This colloquial term implies boldness and determination, often used when encouraging someone to put more effort or courage into an action.
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.

bolas

BOH-lahsˈbo.las

nounB2very informal
A very informal and direct term for audacity or guts, often used in situations where someone needs to be very brave 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.

hígado

nounB2informal
Use this word to describe significant audacity or nerve required to handle a tough or unpleasant situation.

Examples

Hay que tener mucho hígado para enfrentarse a esa situación.

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

fibra

FEE-brahˈfi.βɾa

nounB2
This refers to emotional sensitivity or a deep emotional response, often used when something touches a person deeply or exposes a vulnerability.
A small, determined sprout pushing through a heavy, solid rock.

Examples

Esa canción me tocó la fibra sensible.

That song touched a raw nerve (moved me emotionally).

El equipo mostró mucha fibra en el segundo tiempo.

The team showed a lot of grit in the second half.

Es un corredor con mucha fibra.

He is a runner with a lot of lean muscle.

Using 'Tocar'

When someone's emotions are affected, we use the verb 'tocar' (to touch) with 'la fibra' to show that an inner part of them was reached.

Singular vs. Plural

When talking about character, we use 'fibra' in the singular. When talking about physical muscles in a gym context, you might hear the plural 'fibras'.

Direct Translation

Mistake: “Saying 'él tiene fibra' to mean he is eating healthy.”

Correction: In this context, 'él tiene fibra' usually means he has a lean, muscular build or strong character.

arresto

ah-RREHS-tohaˈrresto

nounC1formal
Use this word for a more formal or literary way to express audacity or boldness, particularly when someone lacks the courage to act.
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'.

Confusing Courage with Biology

The most common mistake is using the Spanish word 'nervio' (nerve) when referring to courage or guts. Remember that 'nervio' is primarily used for the biological meaning. For courage, 'valor', 'agallas', or 'huevo' are more appropriate depending on the context and formality.

Related Translations

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