月经
yuèjīng
The English phrase 'menstrual period' is translated into Chinese as 月经 (yuèjīng).
The term 月经 refers to the biological phenomenon of the menstrual period. To express the action of having a period, you can use the verb 来 (to come) with 月经, forming the phrase 来月经.
Meaning: discharging of menstrual flow (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 月经 is composed of 月 (yuè), meaning 'month' and 经 (jīng), meaning 'passage' or 'cycle'.
Which one should you use?
While 月经 refers to the biological phenomenon itself, the term 经期 is used specifically to refer to the actual time period or duration of the cycle.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
月经 is a formal term for a menstrual period. In contrast, 大姨妈 is a common colloquial euphemism used by women to refer to their period in casual conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
yuèjīng
Did you know?
- The popular euphemism 大姨妈 (dà yí mā) literally translates to 'big maternal aunt'.
- The character 经 (jīng) in 月经 is the same character used in 'classic' or 'scripture', implying a regular, predictable law or path.
- Chinese culture historically viewed menstruation through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where 月经 was seen as a reflection of the balance of 'Qi' and blood.
Examples in context
- 医生：你的月经周期正常吗？Doctor: Is your menstrual cycle regular?
- 医生：你最近的例假准时吗？Doctor: Has your recent menstrual period been on time?
- 朋友1：你今天来大姨妈了吗？Friend 1: Did you get your period today?
- 朋友2：听说你这次例假来得很晚。Friend 2: I heard your period came very late this time.
- 朋友：你有冇嚟M呀？Friend: Are you having your M?
- 她的月经还没来。tā de yuèjīng hái méi lái.Her period hasn't come yet.
- 月经期间要注意休息。yuèjīng qījiān yào zhùyì xiūxi.You should rest during your period.
- 我最近月经不调。wǒ zuìjìn yuèjīng bùtiáo.My menstrual cycle has been irregular lately.
Example conversation
Zihan is feeling unwell at home and tells Junjie.
- 梓涵 Zihan我今天不太舒服，因为月经来了。Wǒ jīntiān bù tài shūfú, yīnwèi yuèjīng lái le.I don't feel very well today because my period started.
- 俊杰 Junjie需要我帮你买药或热敷袋吗？Xūyào wǒ bāng nǐ mǎi yào huò rèshū dài ma?Do you need me to buy medicine or a heating pad for you?
- 梓涵 Zihan谢谢，给我一杯热水就好了。Xièxiè, gěi wǒ yì bēi rèshuǐ jiù hǎo le.Thanks, just a glass of hot water would be great.
- 俊杰 Junjie好的，你先在沙发上休息吧。Hǎo de, nǐ xiān zài shāfā shàng xiūxí ba.Okay, you should rest on the sofa first.
