What does it mean word for word?
The phrase con la regla literally translates to "with the rule", where regla means "rule" or "ruler".
Which one should you use?
You might also use estoy en mi periodo to be more direct or clinical. If you want to describe the moment the cycle begins, the colloquial phrase me bajó la regla can be used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Estoy menstruando is a formal way to state you are menstruating. For everyday conversation, estoy con la regla or estoy en mis días are informal options. Me bajó la regla is a colloquial expression.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to say estoy en mis días or the specific variation estoy en mis días rojos. In Spain, estoy con la regla is an expression used to say one is on their period.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I am on my period", you use the verb estar (to be) followed by the phrase con la regla. You can also use the verb tener (to have) by saying tengo la regla.
Did you know?
- The term regla is a linguistic doublet of the word reja, meaning 'grate' or 'grid'. While both come from the same Latin root, regla was reintroduced as a more formal term later.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase estoy en mis días is used as a social signal to indicate a mood shift or a need for extra patience without explicitly mentioning menstruation.
- The Spanish word regla can refer to a ruler used for measuring, a rule of law, or a menstrual period, all because they imply a straight line or a regular pattern.
Examples in context
- Chicos, no puedo ir a nadar hoy. Estoy con la regla y me siento incómoda.Guys, I can't go swimming today. I'm on my period, and I feel uncomfortable.
- No puedo ir a la piscina porque estoy con la regla.I cannot go to the pool because I am on my period.
- Me siento cansada porque estoy con la regla.I feel tired because I am on my period.
- Ella no quiere comer sushi porque está con la regla.She does not want to eat sushi because she is on her period.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are deciding whether to go for a swim.
- Alejandro¿Quieres ir a la playa con nosotros?Do you want to go to the beach with us?
- SofíaNo puedo, estoy con la regla.I can't, I'm on my period.
- AlejandroLo siento, Sofía. ¿Te sientes mal?I'm sorry, Sofia. Do you feel unwell?
- SofíaUn poco, pero estaré bien en casa.A little, but I will be fine at home.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, la, regla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
