What does it mean word for word?
Literally, te vino la regla translates to "the rule came to you", where la regla (the rule) is a common way to refer to a menstrual period.
Which one should you use?
You can use te vino la regla or the alternative te bajó la regla, which uses the verb bajar (to go down/descend) instead of venir (to come). Additionally, replacing la regla with el periodo makes the phrase sound more clinical.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form te vino la regla is informal. For a formal context or when addressing someone as usted, you should use the formal version le vino la regla.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on who you are addressing. Use te vino la regla for a singular, informal "you" (addressing a friend or family member). Use le vino la regla for a singular, formal "you" (addressing someone as usted). If you are addressing multiple people, use les vino la regla.
Did you know?
- The phrase te vino la regla can be used sarcastically in some slang contexts to describe someone who is suddenly irritable, regardless of whether they are menstruating.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, people use coded phrases like estoy en esos días ('I am in those days') to avoid saying la regla in public.
- Depending on the region, la regla can be replaced by la luna ('the moon') in more poetic or holistic circles, linking the cycle to lunar phases.
Examples in context
- Amiga, no podré hacer ejercicio hoy, estoy en mis días. ¿Podemos hacerlo otro día?Friend, I won't be able to exercise today, I am on my period. Can we do it another day?
- Parece que te vino la regla.It looks like you got your period.
- Dime si te vino la regla hoy.Tell me if you got your period today.
- No te preocupes si te vino la regla.Don't worry if you got your period.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking at home about her health.
- Daniel¿Te sientes mal porque te vino la regla?Do you feel bad because you got your period?
- ElenaSí, me duele mucho el vientre.Yes, my abdomen hurts a lot.
- DanielLo siento, Elena, ¿necesitas algo?I'm sorry, Elena, do you need anything?
- ElenaSolo quiero descansar un poco.I just want to rest a little.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
