tengo la regla
/tenɡo la ɾeɡla/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have my period" is translated into Spanish as tengo la regla.
These phrases are used by a person to state that they are currently experiencing menstrual bleeding.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase tengo la regla literally translates to "I have the rule".
Which one should you use?
tengo el periodo is a more direct or clinical way to say it. In Spain, you will also frequently hear the expression estoy con la regla, which means "I am with the rule".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Estoy en esos días is an informal expression used to convey that one is on their period. In other parts of Latin America, particularly Central America, tengo la regla is used. The informal expression Estoy en mis días is widely used in Mexico, Argentina and various other Latin American countries.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo la ɾeɡla/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word regla shares the same root as the English word 'rule', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₃reǵ- which means 'to move in a straight line'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, referring to menstruation as a 'rule' connects the biological cycle to the concept of a predictable calendar or regularity.
- While tengo la regla is common, using estoy con la regla in Spain suggests a state of being rather than simply possessing a condition.
Examples in context
- Estoy en mis días, así que prefiero descansar en casa.I'm on my days, so I prefer to rest at home.
- No puedo ir a la piscina porque tengo la regla.I can't go to the pool because I have my period.
- Me siento mal, tengo la regla.I feel bad, I have my period.
- No quiero comer sushi hoy, tengo la regla.I don't want to eat sushi today, I have my period.
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are planning a hike.
- SofíaMateo, no podré hacer la caminata.Mateo, I won't be able to do the hike.
- Mateo¿Por qué? ¿Te pasa algo?Why? Is something wrong?
- SofíaEs que tengo la regla y me duele mucho.It's just that I have my period and it hurts a lot.
- MateoLo siento, Sofía. Quédate en casa descansando.I'm sorry, Sofia. Stay at home and rest.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, regla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
