生理痛
seiritsū
The English phrase "period cramps" is translated into Japanese as 生理痛 (seiritsū).
生理痛 refers to the painful muscle contractions in the lower abdomen that occur during a menstrual period.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
生理痛 is the standard, polite way to refer to menstrual pain in both medical and everyday contexts. For a more formal way to say period cramps, you can use 月経痛.
How do you pronounce it?
seiritsū
Did you know?
- In some workplace contexts, the phrase 生理休暇 ('menstrual leave') refers to a legal right for women to take time off due to severe 生理痛.
- The word 生理 used in 生理痛 literally means 'natural law' or 'physiology' before it became the common word for menstruation.
- Japanese pharmacies sell 'women's health' drinks and supplements specifically marketed to reduce 生理痛 that are not common in Western drugstores.
Examples in context
- 失礼ですが、ひどい月経痛に悩んでいます。何か痛み止めの薬をおすすめしていただけますか？Excuse me, I have been experiencing severe period cramps. Could you please recommend any pain relief medication?
- 今日は生理痛がひどくて、ちょっと休みたいなぁ。My period cramps are really bothering me today. I might need to rest.
- 生理痛で薬を飲みました。Seiritsū de kusuri o nomimashita.I took medicine for period cramps.
Example conversation
Ren notices Himari looks unwell at home.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵、大丈夫？顔色が悪いよ。Himari, daijōbu? Kaoiro ga warui yo.Himari, are you okay? You look pale.
- 陽葵 Himariちょっと生理痛があるんだ。Chotto seititsū ga arun da.I have some period cramps.
- 蓮 Ren温かい飲み物を持ってくるね。Atatakai nomimono o motte kuru ne.I'll bring you a warm drink.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、蓮。Arigatō, Ren.Thank you, Ren.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 生理痛, CC BY-SA 4.0.
