règles
/ʁɛɡl/
The English phrase 'menstrual period' is translated into French as règles.
The term refers to the discharging of menstrual flow.
Meaning: discharging of menstrual flow (noun)
Which one should you use?
While règles is the standard term, les menstruations is used in more formal or medical contexts and les anglaises is an informal expression.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Les menstruations is a formal and medical term, whereas les anglaises is an informal expression. You can also use the informal phrase être indisposée to express that one is having a period.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word règles is almost always used in its plural form when referring to a menstrual period.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɛɡl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the singular form une règle to refer to a period, as this actually means 'a rule' or 'a ruler'. Instead, use the plural les règles.
Did you know?
- The informal phrase les anglaises literally translates to 'the English women'.
- The word règles shares a root with the English word 'regular', reflecting the cyclical nature of the period.
- In some French dialects, people use the term avoir ses jours which translates to 'having one's days'.
Examples in context
- J'ai mes règles ce mois-ci, donc je ne pourrai pas participer à l'activité sportive.I have my period this month, so I will not be able to participate in the sports activity.
- Les menstruations peuvent entraîner des symptômes tels que des douleurs abdominales et de la fatigue.Menstruation can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue.
- Je ne peux pas aller à la piscine aujourd'hui, j'ai mes règles (or j'ai les anglaises).I cannot go to the pool today, I have my period (or I have 'les anglaises').
- Cette semaine, je suis indisposée, donc je préfère rester à la maison.This week, I am indisposed, so I prefer to stay at home.
- Mes règles ont commencé ce matin.My period started this morning.
- Elle attend ses règles pour partir en vacances.She is waiting for her period to go on vacation.
- J'ai des douleurs pendant mes règles.I have pain during my period.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are at home discussing her health.
- LéaJe ne me sens pas très bien.I don't feel very well.
- HugoEst-ce que ce sont tes règles ?Is it your period?
- LéaOui, j'ai mal au ventre.Yes, my stomach hurts.
- HugoJe peux t'apporter une bouillotte ?Can I bring you a hot water bottle?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry règles, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
