Translation guide
How to talk about menstrual periods in Japanese, from medical terms to everyday euphemisms.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a menstrual period in conversation or writing.
The standard word for menstruation. Used in everyday speech, medical contexts, and formal writing.
The medical/technical term for menstruation. Common in formal or clinical contexts, but less used in casual conversation.
The menstrual cycle is about 28 days.
Softer, indirect ways to refer to a period, often used among friends or in situations where directness is avoided.
A common euphemism meaning 'that thing.' Context-dependent but widely understood among women.
I'm on my period today.
Literally 'girl's day.' A gentle, somewhat childish euphemism. Often used in advertising or when speaking to younger girls.
Literally 'monthly thing.' A traditional euphemism, now somewhat dated but still understood.
Phrases to describe the state of currently menstruating.
Means 'during one's period' or 'on one's period.' Used as a noun or with だ/です.
I'm on my period right now.
Is it better not to take a bath while on your period?
Literally 'period has come,' meaning one is currently menstruating. Slightly more colloquial.
I'm on my period, so I'm feeling a bit rough.
Expressions for when menstruation begins.
Standard way to say 'period starts.'
My period just started.
Literally 'become period,' meaning to start menstruating. Common in casual speech.
I got my period yesterday.
Literally 'period comes.' Very common colloquial expression.
I think my period is about to start.
Expressions for when menstruation finishes.
Common phrases related to period pain, PMS, and cycle.
生理 is the everyday word used in conversation, while 月経 is the clinical term. Use 生理 in almost all normal situations. 月経 appears in medical documents, formal health talks, or product descriptions.
Menstruation is a barometer of women's health.
Regarding treatment for dysmenorrhea
Japanese culture often uses indirect language for bodily functions. Among close friends, 生理 is fine, but in mixed company or formal settings, you might simply say 体調が悪い (not feeling well) or use a euphemism like あれ. Men may use 生理 when necessary, but it's often avoided.
It's my girl's day and my stomach hurts.
My monthly thing came.