" backbone" translation

Question

How would you say "backbone"

Example: You should have more backbone

Example: You are wussy that doesn't have any backbone.

Example: She doesn't have any backbone

Answer 1

¡Hola Torielisa! I like your questions. They make me think

As for how you say "you have no backbone," in Spanish, you could also say "Eres pusilánime." It translates as "cowardly; mean-spirited, faint-hearted." (see pusillanimous)

This is a real fancy word for "spineless" and most people would have to look it up to find out what it means. But isn't that the best kind of insult? Not only have you called them a wimp, but you've also pointed out how ignorant they are!

Thanks! - Tasear, Dec 27, 2011

Answer 2

In our dictionary the following is offered: backbone

he's got no backbone (sentido figurado) -> no tiene agallas

Confirmed here in our phrasebook:

agallas

have the guts to do something

tener agallas para hacer algo

Good resource usage, Stadt!! :-) - SonrisaDelSol, Dec 26, 2011

Answer 3

I agree with Stadt.

And another very commonly used word, but a bit course, is "cojones" for describing both men and women.

Yes, I heard that quite a bit when I used to live in Texas (before I ever began learning Spanish). - Stadt, Dec 26, 2011