Translation guide
How to talk about the days of a menstrual period in Japanese, including common phrases, medical terms, and euphemisms.
Referring to the days when one has their period in casual or everyday conversation.
The most common and neutral way to say 'days of one's period'. '生理' means menstruation, and '日' means day(s).
生理の日はお腹が痛い。
On the days of my period, my stomach hurts.
生理の日は運動を控えている。
I avoid exercise on the days of my period.
Referring to menstrual days in a medical or formal context.
Medical term for 'menstrual period' (the duration). Can be used to refer to the days of menstruation.
月経期間は通常3日から7日です。
The menstrual period is usually 3 to 7 days.
Referring to a specific day of the period (e.g., 'the second day of my period').
Pattern to say 'the Nth day of my period'. Replace [N] with the day number.
生理2日目が一番出血が多い。
The second day of my period has the heaviest bleeding.
「生理」 is the common, everyday word for menstruation. 「月経」 is the formal/medical term. In casual conversation, 「生理」 is almost always used.
生理の日はしんどい。
Days of my period are tough.
月経期間中の症状を記録してください。
Please record symptoms during your menstrual period.
When describing how you feel or what you do during your period days, 「生理中」 is often more natural than 「生理の日」 because it emphasizes the ongoing state rather than the specific days.
Means 'during one's period'. Often used to describe the state of being on your period, including the days.
生理中はイライラしやすい。
I tend to get irritable during my period.
A euphemistic way to say 'days of one's period', literally 'days of the monthly thing'. Used mainly by women in casual conversation.
月のものの日はいつもより眠い。
On the days of my period, I'm sleepier than usual.
Formal/medical way to say 'during menstruation'.
月経中の腹痛は多くの女性が経験します。
Many women experience abdominal pain during menstruation.
生理中は甘いものが食べたくなる。
During my period, I crave sweets.
生理中は甘いものが食べたくなる。
During my period, I crave sweets.