Translation guide
The scrotum is the external pouch of skin containing the testicles. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 陰嚢 (いんのう), used in medical and everyday contexts. Colloquially, 金玉袋 (きんたまぶくろ) is widely used among men, while ふぐり is a traditional term. Direct translation is usually fine, but in polite conversation, the topic is often avoided or referred to indirectly.
Referring to the scrotum in a factual, medical, or neutral everyday context.
The standard anatomical term for scrotum. Used in medical settings, health classes, and when speaking matter-of-factly. Not considered vulgar.
If you feel a lump in your scrotum, please go to the hospital immediately.
The skin of the scrotum expands and contracts depending on temperature.
A traditional Japanese word for scrotum, often used in literature or historical contexts. Can sound old-fashioned or poetic. Also appears in compound words like ふぐり形 (ふぐりがた, scrotum-shaped).
In the old days, people wore loincloths to keep their scrotum warm.
Casual, often humorous or vulgar reference to the scrotum, typically among men.
Literally 'gold ball sack'. Extremely common in casual male speech. Can be vulgar or jocular depending on context. Not used in polite or formal settings.
The soccer ball hit my ballsack and it hurt like hell.
Literally 'bag'. In context, can refer to the scrotum, especially in set phrases like 袋を蹴る (kick in the balls). Very casual and direct.
Referring to the scrotum without using direct anatomical or slang terms, often in polite or mixed company.
In polite conversation, Japanese speakers often avoid naming the scrotum directly. Instead, they might use vague terms like あそこ (that place) or 下 (down there), or simply omit the word if context is clear. This is the safest approach in formal or unfamiliar settings.
It hurts a bit down there.
My lower area is itchy...
While 陰嚢 is medically correct, using it in casual conversation can sound overly clinical. In polite or mixed company, it's often better to use vague language or avoid the topic entirely. Slang terms like 金玉袋 are very informal and should only be used among close male friends.
ふぐり is a native Japanese word with historical and literary flavor, while 陰嚢 is a Sino-Japanese medical term. ふぐり is rarely used in modern everyday speech except in fixed expressions or regional dialects. For most learners, 陰嚢 is the more practical word to know.
あいつ、金玉袋を蹴られたらしい。
I heard that guy got kicked in the nutsack.
袋を蹴られた。
I got kicked in the balls.