j'ai mes règles
To say "I am on my period" in French, use j'ai mes règles.
This phrase is used by a person to state that they are currently experiencing menstrual bleeding.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, j'ai mes règles translates to "I have my rules".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, you express this state using the verb avoir (to have) rather than être (to be). The verbal phrase is avoir ses règles.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying je suis sur ma période. This is a literal translation of the English phrase and is not used in French.
Did you know?
- In French, the word règles is a homonym used for both menstrual periods and the official rules of a game or law.
- The phrase avoir ses jours can also be used as a polite or indirect way to say one is on their period. It literally translates to 'to have one's days'.
- The word règles comes from the Latin 'regula', meaning a straight edge or a ruler. It refers to the 'regularity' of the cycle rather than a set of laws or instructions.
Examples in context
- J'ai mes règles cette semaine.I have my period this week.
- Je ne peux pas nager car j'ai mes règles.I cannot swim because I am on my period.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about why Emma feels tired.
- EmmaJe me sens très fatiguée aujourd'hui.I feel very tired today.
- HugoTu es malade, Emma ?Are you sick, Emma?
- EmmaNon, c'est juste que j'ai mes règles.No, it's just that I am on my period.
- HugoAh, je comprends. Repose-toi bien.Ah, I understand. Get some rest.
