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reglas

RREH-glasˈreɣlas

“reglas” means “rules” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

rules, regulations

Also: guidelines, norms
fA1
A small blue bird sitting on a brightly colored lawn, clearly constrained by a crisp white painted line, symbolizing rules or boundaries.

📝 In Action

Tienes que seguir las reglas del juego.

A1

You have to follow the rules of the game.

Las reglas de la escuela son muy estrictas.

A2

The school regulations are very strict.

Hay reglas básicas para aprender español.

B1

There are basic rules for learning Spanish.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • excepciones (exceptions)
  • caos (chaos)

Common Collocations

  • romper las reglas – to break the rules
  • establecer reglas – to set rules

Idioms & Expressions

  • reglas de oro – golden rules; fundamental principles

rulers

Also: straightedges
fA2
Mexico
Three wooden straightedge rulers with small tick marks clearly visible, overlapping on a surface.

📝 In Action

Compré dos reglas de plástico para mi clase de geometría.

A2

I bought two plastic rulers for my geometry class.

Por favor, devuélveme mis reglas cuando termines de medir.

B1

Please give me back my rulers when you finish measuring.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • metros (measuring tapes)
  • escuadras (set squares)

Common Collocations

  • reglas de metal – metal rulers
  • trazar con reglas – to draw with rulers

period

Also: menstruation
fB1
SpainLatin America
A stylized image of a single, large red drop positioned next to a closed purple flower bud, representing menstruation.

📝 In Action

¿Cuándo te vienen las reglas otra vez?

B1

When is your period due again?

Ella tiene dolores fuertes durante las reglas.

B2

She has severe pain during her period.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • la regla (the period (singular usage common in some regions))
  • la menstruación (menstruation)

Common Collocations

  • tener las reglas – to have one's period
  • venir las reglas – for one's period to start

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: reglas

Question 1 of 2

Which Spanish translation is NOT appropriate for the sentence: 'The team must respect all the rules.'

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
salastablas
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin term *regula*, which originally meant a straight stick or bar, used to keep things straight or measure them. From this initial meaning of a 'straight guide,' it evolved into both the measuring instrument (ruler) and the abstract concept of a standard or fixed guideline (rule/regulation).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: regraFrench: règleEnglish: rule

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 'reglas' means 'rules' or 'rulers'?

Context is your best friend! If you are talking about behavior, games, or grammar, it means 'rules.' If you are talking about school supplies, drawing, or measuring, it means 'rulers.'

Can I use 'regla' (singular) instead of 'reglas' (plural) for the menstrual cycle?

Yes, in Spain and some parts of Latin America, 'la regla' (singular) is often used to mean the period. However, 'las reglas' (plural) is understood everywhere and is considered a very safe, standard choice.