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How to Say "norms" in Spanish

English → Spanish

normas

NOR-mahs/ˈnoɾmas/

nounB1social standards
Use 'normas' when referring to social standards, accepted behaviors, or established principles within a group or society.
Three identical cartoon figures standing side-by-side, all performing the same simple hand gesture, illustrating social norms.

Examples

Las normas sociales varían mucho entre culturas.

Social norms vary greatly between cultures.

Rompió con las normas de etiqueta de la época.

He broke with the standards of etiquette of the time.

reglas

RREH-glas/ˈreɣlas/

noun (plural)A1societal expectations
Use 'reglas' when referring to specific, often explicit, instructions or guidelines that must be followed, like in a game or a set of laws.
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.

Normas vs. Reglas

Learners often confuse 'normas' and 'reglas' by using 'reglas' for general social expectations. Remember that 'normas' is broader and covers unwritten social standards, while 'reglas' are typically more concrete and explicit instructions.

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