regla
/RREH-glah/
ruler
When regla means ruler, it refers to a tool used for measuring and drawing straight lines.
📝 In Action
Necesito una regla larga para dibujar esta línea.
A1I need a long ruler to draw this line.
¿Me prestas tu regla, por favor? La mía se rompió.
A1Can you lend me your ruler, please? Mine broke.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tool vs. Rule
Remember that 'regla' is the physical tool you use to measure, just like 'rule' in English can be a measuring tool. It's the most common word for a school ruler.
When regla means rule, it refers to a principle or instruction that guides behavior.
regla(noun)
rule
?guideline or instruction
regulation
?formal instruction
,principle
?general standard
📝 In Action
Hay que seguir las reglas del juego si queremos ganar.
A2We have to follow the rules of the game if we want to win.
Esa es una regla básica de convivencia en este edificio.
B1That is a basic rule of coexistence in this building.
La regla general es llegar siempre a tiempo.
A2The general rule is to always arrive on time.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Usage
When talking about guidelines or instructions, 'regla' is very often used in the plural: 'las reglas' (the rules).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Ley' instead of 'Regla'
Mistake: "Usar 'ley' para las reglas de un juego."
Correction: Use 'regla' for guidelines or rules of a game; 'ley' (law) is usually reserved for formal, legal statutes enforced by the government.
In this context, regla is a common word used to refer to a menstrual period.
📝 In Action
Mi regla es muy irregular este mes.
B1My period is very irregular this month.
Cuando me llega la regla, me duele mucho la cabeza.
B2When my period starts, I get a bad headache.
⭐ Usage Tips
Common Phrases
You will often hear the phrases 'tener la regla' (to have one's period) or 'estar con la regla' (to be with one's period). It is also common to use the less direct term 'el periodo'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: regla
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'regla' to mean a physical object?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'regla' una palabra formal para referirse a la menstruación?
Sí, 'regla' es un término muy común y neutral para referirse al ciclo menstrual, aunque también se usa 'periodo' o la palabra médica 'menstruación'.
Why does one word mean a tool AND a guideline?
Both meanings come from the original Latin idea of a 'straight line' or 'standard.' A ruler creates a straight line (a physical standard), and a rule (guideline) creates a standard behavior or limit.