j'ai mes règles
The English phrase "I have my period" is expressed in French as j'ai mes règles.
This phrase is used by a woman to state that she is currently experiencing menstrual bleeding.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase j'ai mes règles literally translates to "I have my rules".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase j'ai mes règles is the standard, neutral way to express this and is appropriate for most social situations. A more formal way to say this is Je suis en période menstruelle, which means "I am in my menstrual period."
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a menstrual period, the word règles is always used in its plural form.
Did you know?
- In French, you can refer to the menstrual cycle using the word lunes, which means 'moons'. This ties the female biological cycle to the lunar calendar.
- French speakers may use the expression être indisposée to politely signal that they are on their period. While it literally means 'to be indisposed', in a female context it is a recognized code for menstruation.
- In certain slang contexts, some may use the term les ragnagnas to refer to a period, though this is quite vulgar and much less common than the standard mes règles.
Examples in context
- Désolée, je ne peux pas nager, j'ai mes règles.Sorry, I cannot swim, I have my period.
- Je ne me sens pas bien, j'ai mes règles.I don't feel well, I have my period.
- J'ai mes règles cette semaine, donc je suis fatiguée.I have my period this week, so I am tired.
Example conversation
Manon tells Lucas why she is feeling unwell.
- ManonJe me sens vraiment mal aujourd'hui.I feel really unwell today.
- LucasEst-ce que tu es malade, Manon ?Are you sick, Manon?
- ManonNon, c'est juste que j'ai mes règles.No, it's just that I have my period.
- LucasJe comprends, repose-toi bien.I understand, get some good rest.
