Inklingo

How to Say "guidelines" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “guidelines” is “reglas” — use 'reglas' when referring to the basic, often simple, instructions or standards that must be followed, especially in games or informal settings..

English → Spanish

reglas

RREH-glas/ˈreɣlas/

noun (plural)A1general
Use 'reglas' when referring to the basic, often simple, instructions or standards that must be followed, especially in games or informal settings.
A small blue bird sitting on a brightly colored lawn, clearly constrained by a crisp white painted line, symbolizing rules or boundaries.

Examples

Tienes que seguir las reglas del juego.

You have to follow the rules of the game.

Las reglas de la escuela son muy estrictas.

The school regulations are very strict.

Hay reglas básicas para aprender español.

There are basic rules for learning Spanish.

Always Plural

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

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “Los reglas (using masculine article).”

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

políticas

nounB1general
Choose 'políticas' for suggested or established courses of action or principles, often within an organization or institution, that guide decisions.

Examples

Las nuevas políticas de la empresa benefician a los empleados.

The company's new policies benefit the employees.

líneas

nounB2general
Use 'líneas' to refer to the general principles, broad directions, or overarching framework that guides a project or plan.

Examples

El director estableció las líneas generales del proyecto.

The director established the general guidelines of the project.

protocolo

proh-toh-KOH-loh/pɾotoˈkolo/

nounB2formal
Opt for 'protocolo' when referring to a specific, detailed set of instructions or procedures that must be followed in a particular situation, especially in professional or scientific contexts.
A high quality storybook illustration showing three distinct, sequential panels arranged horizontally. The panels visually depict a simple, detailed procedure, such as making a cup of tea: boiling water, adding a teabag to a cup, and finally stirring the finished tea.

Examples

El médico explicó el protocolo de tratamiento para la nueva enfermedad.

The doctor explained the treatment protocol (procedure) for the new disease.

Debemos seguir el protocolo de seguridad antes de entrar al laboratorio.

We must follow the safety protocol (procedure) before entering the laboratory.

El protocolo de internet (IP) permite la comunicación entre computadoras.

The internet protocol (IP) allows communication between computers.

Technical Usage

In technical fields, 'protocolo' refers to a written, mandatory set of steps or instructions that must be followed precisely to ensure a specific outcome.

Reglas vs. Políticas

Learners often confuse 'reglas' and 'políticas'. Remember that 'reglas' are typically simpler, more direct instructions (like game rules), while 'políticas' are broader principles or established courses of action, often within organizations.

Related Translations

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