Inklingo
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norma

/NOR-mah/

rule

A simple red hexagonal stop sign stands prominently on a colorful, winding road, illustrating an official instruction or rule.

The word 'norma' can mean 'rule', similar to an official instruction or law, like a stop sign.

norma(noun)

fA1

rule

?

An official instruction or law

,

regulation

?

A formal requirement set by an organization

Also:

statute

?

A written law

📝 In Action

Debemos seguir las normas de seguridad en el trabajo.

A1

We must follow the safety rules at work.

El gobierno aprobó una nueva norma para proteger el medio ambiente.

A2

The government approved a new regulation to protect the environment.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • establecer una norma – to establish a rule
  • incumplir la norma – to break the rule

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Check

Remember that 'norma' is a feminine word, so always use 'la' or 'una' before it, and use feminine adjectives (e.g., 'la norma estricta').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong article

Mistake: "El norma"

Correction: La norma. Even though it ends in 'a,' it's easy to forget that it's feminine, but 'norma' always takes 'la'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

'Norma' usually implies a more formal or official regulation, often set by a government or large organization, making it a stronger word than the simple 'regla'.

A pedestal holding three perfectly identical, shiny golden apples, representing a high level of quality or achievement.

Another meaning of 'norma' is 'standard', referring to a required level of quality or achievement.

norma(noun)

fB1

standard

?

A level of quality or achievement

,

norm

?

A typical or accepted way of behaving

Also:

guideline

?

A general principle

📝 In Action

En esta cultura, saludar con un beso es la norma social.

B1

In this culture, greeting with a kiss is the social norm.

El producto debe cumplir con las normas de calidad internacionales.

B2

The product must comply with international quality standards.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • normas éticas – ethical standards
  • la norma de la casa – the house standard/custom

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser la norma – to be the standard or usual practice

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Usage for Standards

This meaning is often used in the plural, 'las normas,' especially when referring to a comprehensive set of standards (e.g., 'normas de seguridad' or 'normas de convivencia').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'norma' and 'normal'

Mistake: "Using 'Es una norma' when you mean 'It is normal.'"

Correction: Use 'norma' (noun) for the rule/standard itself. Use 'normal' (adjective) to describe something typical or usual ('Es normal').

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Clues

If 'norma' is used with words like 'social,' 'ética' (ethical), or 'calidad' (quality), it almost always means 'standard' or 'accepted norm,' referring to a principle rather than a written law.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: norma

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'norma' in its most formal sense (official regulation)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

normal(normal, usual) - adjective
normativo(normative, regulatory) - adjective
normalizar(to normalize) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'norma' y 'regla'?

Both mean 'rule,' but 'norma' often sounds more official, formal, or technical (like a government regulation or quality standard). 'Regla' is more common for general instructions, like rules in a game or simple household rules.

How do I say 'against the rules'?

You can use 'contra la norma' or 'en contra de la norma.' For example: 'Fumar aquí es contra la norma' (Smoking here is against the rule).