The topic of menstruation is an important aspect of women’s health. Understanding how to communicate about it in different languages can be empowering and helpful. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say “menstrual period” in Chinese. We’ll cover the standard Mandarin Chinese, but also touch upon some regional variations if necessary. So, let’s delve into this topic and learn the various ways to express “menstrual period” in Chinese!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Menstrual Period
Formal language is typically used in professional and official settings. When discussing menstruation in a formal context, such as with doctors or in educational settings, there are a few common terms you can use.
1. 月经 (Yuèjīng)
“月经” is the most widely used and formal term for “menstrual period” in Mandarin Chinese. It directly translates to “monthly blood.” This term is accepted and understood throughout the Chinese-speaking world.
Example: 医生：你的月经周期正常吗？
Nǐ de yuèjīng zhōuqī zhèngcháng ma?
Doctor: Is your menstrual cycle regular?
2. 例假 (Lìjiǎ)
Another formal term for “menstrual period” is “例假” which literally means “regular leave.” This term is commonly used in medical contexts or when discussing periods formally. It is interchangeable with “月经.”
Example: 医生：你最近的例假准时吗？
Nǐ zuìjìn de lìjiǎ zhǔnshí ma?
Doctor: Has your recent menstrual period been on time?
Informal Expressions for Menstrual Period
In informal or casual conversations, you might prefer using a less technical or more colloquial expression to talk about menstruation with friends or family members. Here are a couple of informal ways to express “menstrual period” in Chinese.
1. 大姨妈 (Dà yímā)
“大姨妈” is a popular and widely understood informal term for “menstrual period” in Mandarin Chinese. It translates to “big aunt” and is commonly used in conversations between friends. This term adds a touch of humor and familiarity to the discussion.
Example: 朋友1：你今天来大姨妈了吗？
Péngyǒu yī: Nǐ jīntiān lái dà yímā le ma?
Friend 1: Did you get your period today?
2. 例假 (Lìjiǎ)
Yes, “例假” which we mentioned earlier as a formal term, can also be used informally. In casual conversations, people might choose to use this term as it is less technical compared to “月经.”
Example: 朋友2：听说你这次例假来得很晚。
Péngyǒu èr: Tīngshuō nǐ zhè cì lìjiǎ lái dé hěn wǎn.
Friend 2: I heard your period came very late this time.
Regional Variations
Mandarin Chinese is the standard dialect spoken in mainland China, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia. However, it’s essential to note that there are regional variations and dialects where different terms might be used. Let’s take a quick look at a few regional variations.
1. 口语 & 吴语 (Kǒuyǔ & Wúyǔ) – Shanghai Dialect
In the Shanghai dialect, which is also known as “吴语 (Wúyǔ),” the term “口语 (Kǒuyǔ)” is commonly used to mean “menstrual period.” This is a good example of how different Chinese dialects can have their own expressions.
Example: 朋友：你今天嘴巴好酸，是不是快来口语了？
Péngyǒu: Nǐ jīntiān zuǐbā hǎo suān, shìbushì kuài lái kǒuyǔ le?
Friend: Your mouth seems sour today, is your “kǒuyǔ” coming soon?
2. 粤语 (Yuèyǔ) – Cantonese
In Cantonese, the term “月经 (Yuèjīng)” is also commonly used. However, some people might prefer to use colloquial expressions like “来M (lèih m)” or “做乜嘢 (jó mó yi)” to refer to menstruation. These terms are predominantly used in Cantonese-speaking regions.
Example: 朋友：你有冇嚟M呀？
Péngyǒu: Néih yáuh móh láih M aa?
Friend: Are you having your M?
Summary
Congratulations! You’ve learned several ways to say “menstrual period” in Chinese. In formal contexts, “月经 (Yuèjīng)” and “例假 (Lìjiǎ)” are widely accepted terms. Informally, you can use “大姨妈 (Dà yímā)” or “例假 (Lìjiǎ)” to have more casual conversations. Remember, language evolves regionally, and there might be additional terms used in specific dialects, such as “口语 (Kǒuyǔ)” in the Shanghai dialect or “来M (lèih m)” in Cantonese. Now, armed with these various expressions, you can confidently discuss menstruation in Chinese!
