período menstrual
/peɾiodo menstɾwal/from spelling rules
The English phrase "menstrual period" is período menstrual in Spanish.
período menstrual refers to the discharging of menstrual flow.
Meaning: discharging of menstrual flow (noun)
Which one should you use?
período menstrual is the formal and clinical term, whereas la regla is a common colloquial way to refer to menstruation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the informal phrase estoy en mis días is used. In Argentina, the phrase estoy en esos días is used in informal conversations. In Spain, the informal expression estoy con la regla is used in everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make período menstrual plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural ending: períodos menstruales.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾiodo menstɾwal/
Did you know?
- While la regla is common, some speakers use the term la luna ('the moon') to refer to their period, linking the menstrual cycle to the lunar cycle.
- The common term la regla literally translates to 'the rule', which is a linguistic way of describing a recurring cycle or a fixed law of nature.
- The word menstrual shares the same root as 'month' in English, both coming from the Latin word for moon, because the cycle follows the lunar-like rhythm.
Examples in context
- Mi período menstrual suele durar cinco díasMy menstrual period usually lasts five days
- ¿Tienes toallas higiénicas para el ciclo menstrual?Do you have sanitary pads for the menstrual cycle?
- Ayer comencé con la regla, así que me siento un poco incómodaI started my period yesterday, so I feel a bit uncomfortable
- Mi período menstrual es muy irregular.My menstrual period is very irregular.
- Ella tiene un período menstrual corto.She has a short menstrual period.
- El período menstrual puede causar dolor.The menstrual period can cause pain.
Example conversation
Elena is talking to Mateo about her health.
- ElenaMe siento muy cansada hoy, Mateo.I feel very tired today, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Te sientes mal o estás enferma?Do you feel sick or are you ill?
- ElenaNo, es que empezó mi período menstrual.No, it's just that my menstrual period started.
- MateoEntiendo, ¿quieres que te traiga un té?I understand, do you want me to bring you some tea?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries menstrual, período, CC BY-SA 4.0.
