estás con la regla
/estas kon la ɾeɡla/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "you're on your period" can be translated in several ways, with the default form being estás con la regla.
These phrases are used to tell a woman or person that they are currently experiencing menstruation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase estás con la regla literally translates to "you are with the rule."
Which one should you use?
While estás con la regla is a common way to express this, other forms exist such as Estás en tu periodo, Está en su periodo and Se encuentra en su periodo.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase estás con la regla is a common, colloquial way to refer to menstruation in many Spanish-speaking countries. Other informal options include Estás en tus días and Estás en esos días.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, the word regla is commonly used to discuss menstruation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase estás con la regla uses the verb estar (to be) to indicate a temporary state or condition.
Did you know?
- The word regla shares its linguistic roots with the Latin word for 'straight line' or 'standard', which is why it is used for both a geometric ruler and a biological cycle.
- In certain countries, if you say someone is con la regla, it is often a coded way to dismiss their emotions as being caused by hormones rather than valid reasons.
- The preposition con in estás con la regla means 'with', treating the period as a companion or accompanying condition rather than a state one is 'on'.
Examples in context
- La doctora indicó que María no podrá hacer deporte esta semana porque está en su periodo.The doctor said that Maria won't be able to do sports this week because she's on her period.
- Ella no se siente bien, ya que está en sus días.She doesn't feel well, as she's on her period.
- Mi amiga no quiere salir porque está en esos días.My friend doesn't want to go out because she's on her period.
- Creo que estás con la regla.I think you're on your period.
- ¿Estás con la regla hoy?Are you on your period today?
- Si estás con la regla, descansa.If you're on your period, rest.
Example conversation
Mateo asks María why she is feeling unwell.
- MaríaNo me siento muy bien hoy, Mateo.I don't feel very well today, Mateo.
- Mateo¿Crees que estás con la regla?Do you think you're on your period?
- MaríaSí, creo que es eso.Yes, I think that is it.
- MateoEntonces deberías descansar un poco.Then you should rest a little.
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.
