ciclo menstrual
/θiklo menstɾwal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'menstrual cycle' is ciclo menstrual in Spanish.
The term ciclo menstrual refers to the recurring cycle. In more casual conversation, speakers may refer to the period itself using terms like regla or reglazo or use the phrase estar con la regla to say one is on their period.
Meaning: recurring cycle (noun)
Which one should you use?
Ciclo menstrual is a formal way to say 'menstrual cycle', while regla and reglazo are informal ways to refer specifically to the menstruation or the period.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, both the noun and the accompanying adjective must be pluralized, resulting in ciclos menstruales.
How do you pronounce it?
/θiklo menstɾwal/
Did you know?
- The common word for period, regla, literally translates to 'rule' or 'regulation'. This reflects an old view of menstruation as the 'rule' or standard by which a woman's health was measured.
- The word ciclo shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the Sanskrit word 'chakra', which describes a wheel or a spinning disk.
- If a person wants to be very indirect or polite, they might avoid the word ciclo or regla entirely and instead use phrases like estos días to mean 'these days'.
Examples in context
- El ciclo menstrual varía en cada mujer.The menstrual cycle varies in every woman.
- Es importante conocer tu ciclo menstrual.It is important to know your menstrual cycle.
- Ella está monitoreando su ciclo menstrual.She is monitoring her menstrual cycle.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing health habits.
- MaríaTengo que anotar la fecha de mi ciclo menstrual.I have to note the date of my menstrual cycle.
- Mateo¿Usas alguna aplicación para eso, María?Do you use an app for that, María?
- MaríaSí, así puedo predecir mi ciclo menstrual.Yes, that way I can predict my menstrual cycle.
- MateoEs una buena idea para estar organizada.It is a good idea to stay organized.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciclo, menstrual, CC BY-SA 4.0.
