Inklingo
Dictionary

regla

RREH-glahˈreɣla

“regla” means “ruler” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

rulerA1Noun

measuring tool

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ruleA2Noun

guideline or instruction

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periodB1Noun

menstruation

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rulerAlso: straightedge

NounfA1
A close-up view of a long, straight, wooden ruler with clear markings, placed flat on a brightly colored surface.

📝 In Action

Necesito una regla larga para dibujar esta línea.

A1

I need a long ruler to draw this line.

¿Me prestas tu regla, por favor? La mía se rompió.

A1

Can you lend me your ruler, please? Mine broke.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • escuadra (set square)

Common Collocations

  • regla de madera – wooden ruler
  • regla de plástico – plastic ruler

ruleAlso: regulation, principle

NounfA2
A stylized figure walking precisely on a thick, straight yellow line painted on the ground, symbolizing following a rule or guideline.

📝 In Action

Hay que seguir las reglas del juego si queremos ganar.

A2

We have to follow the rules of the game if we want to win.

Esa es una regla básica de convivencia en este edificio.

B1

That is a basic rule of coexistence in this building.

La regla general es llegar siempre a tiempo.

A2

The general rule is to always arrive on time.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • norma (norm/standard)
  • directriz (guideline)

Antonyms

  • excepción (exception)

Common Collocations

  • romper la regla – to break the rule
  • reglas de tráfico – traffic rules

Idioms & Expressions

  • ser la regla y no la excepción – to be the norm (not the exception)

periodAlso: menstruation

NounfB1
MexicoSpain
A single, large, stylized bright red teardrop shape resting on a soft, fluffy white cotton pad, symbolizing menstruation.

📝 In Action

Mi regla es muy irregular este mes.

B1

My period is very irregular this month.

Cuando me llega la regla, me duele mucho la cabeza.

B2

When my period starts, I get a bad headache.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • menstruación (menstruation)
  • el periodo (the period)

Common Collocations

  • tener la regla – to have one's period
  • estar con la regla – to be on one's period

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Often confused with leynear-synonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "regla" in Spanish:

menstruationperiodprincipleregulationrulerulerstraightedge

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: regla

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'regla' to mean a physical object?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
regular(regular) — Adjective
reglamento(regulation/ruleset) — Noun
reglamentar(to regulate) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes
velatela
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin word *regula*, which literally meant 'a straight stick' or 'a straight line.' This is why it refers to both the measuring tool (the straight stick) and an established standard or periodic pattern (a rule or a cycle).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: regolaFrench: règleEnglish: rule

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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.