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reglas

/RREH-glas/

rules

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

When "reglas" means rules or standards of conduct.

reglas(Noun (Plural))

fA1

rules

?

standards of conduct

,

regulations

?

official requirements

Also:

guidelines

?

suggested methods

,

norms

?

societal expectations

📝 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

  • normas (norms, standards)
  • leyes (laws)

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

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural

When talking about multiple rules, use the feminine plural article 'las': 'las reglas'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: "Los reglas (using masculine article)."

Correction: Las reglas. 'Regla' is always feminine, even when plural.

⭐ Usage Tips

The most common use

This is the default meaning. If you hear 'reglas' without context, assume it means 'rules' or 'regulations'.

Three wooden straightedge rulers with small tick marks clearly visible, overlapping on a surface.

When "reglas" means rulers (measuring instruments).

reglas(Noun (Plural))

fA2

rulers

?

measuring instruments

Also:

straightedges

?

drawing tools

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Context is Key

If you are in a school supply store or drawing, 'reglas' refers to the physical tool.

⭐ Usage Tips

Common Tool

This meaning is most common in educational contexts or technical fields.

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

When "reglas" means period or menstruation.

reglas(Noun (Plural))

fB1

period

?

menstruation

Also:

menstruation

?

clinical term

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural (Usually)

In this context, the word is almost always used in the plural: 'las reglas.' The singular 'la regla' is used in some regions, but plural is safer.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Literal Translation

Mistake: "Estoy con mi período."

Correction: Estoy con las reglas or Tengo la regla. While 'período' is understood, 'reglas' is much more natural and common.

⭐ Usage Tips

Euphemistic Use

This meaning relates back to the idea of a 'standard' or 'regular' monthly cycle.

✏️ 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

regla(rule; ruler (singular)) - noun
reglar(to regulate; to adjust) - verb
reglamento(set of regulations) - noun

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.