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.
月経周期は約28日です。
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.
今日あれなんだよね。
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.
今日は女の子の日でお腹が痛い。
It's my girl's day and my stomach hurts.
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.
今、生理中です。
I'm on my period right now.
生理中はお風呂に入らない方がいいですか？
Is it better not to take a bath while on your period?
Literally 'period has come,' meaning one is currently menstruating. Slightly more colloquial.
生理が来てるから、ちょっとしんどい。
I'm on my period, so I'm feeling a bit rough.
Expressions for when menstruation begins.
Standard way to say 'period starts.'
生理が始まったばかりです。
My period just started.
Literally 'become period,' meaning to start menstruating. Common in casual speech.
昨日生理になった。
I got my period yesterday.
Literally 'period comes.' Very common colloquial expression.
生理が来そう。
I think my period is about to start.
Expressions for when menstruation finishes.
Standard way to say 'period ends.'
生理が終わった。
My period ended.
A somewhat old-fashioned or regional way to say period ends. Literally 'period rises/clears up.'
生理が上がったら温泉に行こう。
Let's go to a hot spring once my period is over.
Common phrases related to period pain, PMS, and cycle.
Menstrual cramps/pain.
生理痛がひどい。
My period cramps are really bad.
Irregular periods.
生理不順で悩んでいます。
I'm troubled by irregular periods.
Premenstrual syndrome. Often used as-is in Japanese.
PMSの症状がつらい。
My PMS symptoms are tough.
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.
生理は女性の健康のバロメーターです。
Menstruation is a barometer of women's health.
月経困難症の治療について
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.
Literally 'monthly thing.' A traditional euphemism, now somewhat dated but still understood.
月のものが来た。
My monthly thing came.