생리 중이에요
saengni jung-ieyo
The English phrase "I am on my period" is translated into Korean as 생리 중이에요 (saengni jung-ieyo).
This phrase is a direct and standard way for a woman to state that she is currently menstruating in a polite manner. If you prefer to use a euphemism, you can use the phrase 그 날 (that time of the month).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 생리 중이에요 is composed of 생리 (menstruation), 중 (middle/during) and 이에요 (am/is/are).
Which one should you use?
While 생리 중이에요 is a direct statement, you may also hear the colloquial euphemism 그날이에요, which literally means "it is that day".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the informal version, the polite ending -이에요 is replaced with the informal -이야.
How do you pronounce it?
saengni jung-ieyo
When do people say it?
To be more indirect or euphemistic, speakers often use the phrase 그날이에요 (it is that day) or refer to it as 그 날 (that time of the month).
Did you know?
- In very casual settings among close friends, women might use the term 마법 (magic) to refer to their period.
- The term 생리 is a Sino-Korean word where the characters represent 'life' and 'reason' or 'principle'.
- In a workplace or formal setting, it is common to use 몸이 안 좋아요 ('my body is not in good condition') as a discreet code for being on one's period without naming it.
Examples in context
- 저 지금 생리 중이에요.jeo jigeum saengri jung-ieyo.I am on my period right now.
- 미안해요, 제가 생리 중이에요.mian-haeyo, jega saengri jung-ieyo.I am sorry, I am on my period.
Example conversation
Subin is feeling unwell at a cafe with Dohyeon.
- 도현 Do-hyeon수빈 씨, 어디 아파요?Subin-ssi, eodi apayo?Subin, are you sick?
- 수빈 Su-bin네, 저 지금 생리 중이에요.ne, jeo jigeum saengri jung-ieyo.Yes, I am on my period right now.
- 도현 Do-hyeon많이 힘들겠어요.man-i himdeul-gesseoyo.That must be very difficult for you.
- 수빈 Su-bin좀 쉬어야 할 것 같아요.jom swieoya hal geot gat-ayo.I think I need to get some rest.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 생리, CC BY-SA 4.0.
