Translation guide
The English word 'menses' refers to the monthly discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus. In Japanese, there are several ways to express this, ranging from formal medical terms to casual euphemisms. The most common and neutral term is 生理 (seiri).
The speaker wants to refer to the monthly period in a neutral, everyday context.
The most common and neutral word for 'menstruation' or 'period'. Used in daily conversation, by all genders, and in most settings.
My period started.
I have stomach pain during my period.
The formal medical term for 'menstruation'. Used in medical contexts, official documents, or when speaking with a doctor. Less common in casual conversation.
The menstrual cycle is about 28 days.
A vague euphemism meaning 'that thing'. Used informally among close friends or family, often by women. Context-dependent; can be understood as 'period' when the topic is clear.
I'm on my period today. (lit. 'It's that thing today.')
The speaker wants to say that someone is currently menstruating.
Means 'during menstruation' or 'on one's period'. Used as a noun or adjective.
She's resting because she's on her period.
Literally 'period comes'. A common way to say 'get one's period'.
My period hasn't come.
Literally 'become period'. Used to mean 'start menstruating' or 'get one's first period'. Less common than 生理が来る.
The speaker wants to talk about physical or emotional symptoms related to menstruation.
Menstrual cramps or period pain.
My period cramps are terrible.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Often abbreviated as PMS (ピーエムエス) in conversation.
I get irritable from PMS.
The English abbreviation 'PMS' is widely understood, especially among younger people.
PMS is tough.
The speaker wants to refer to items used during menstruation.
General term for 'sanitary products' or 'menstrual products'.
I'm going to buy sanitary products.
Sanitary pad. Note: ナプキン can also mean 'napkin' (table napkin), but context usually clarifies.
Tampon. From English 'tampon'.
生理 (seiri) is the everyday word used in conversation, while 月経 (gekkei) is the formal medical term. Use 生理 in most situations; use 月経 when speaking with a doctor or in a formal report.
When did your period start? (casual/neutral)
Please tell me the date of your last menstrual period. (medical)
The English word 'menses' is formal and somewhat clinical. In Japanese, directly translating it as 月経 (gekkei) in casual conversation can sound overly stiff or medical. Stick to 生理 (seiri) unless the context requires formality.
She has painful menses.
Natural Japanese uses 生理痛 (period pain) rather than a direct translation of 'painful menses'.
I first got my period when I was 12.
ナプキンを替える。
I change my pad.
タンポンを使う。
I use tampons.