Inklingo

How to Say "ordinance" in Spanish

The Spanish word forordinanceis ordenanzaB2 level.

English → SpanishB2
nounB2formal
a local law or rule
A wooden gavel resting on a round base on a wooden table.

Examples

El ayuntamiento aprobó una nueva ordenanza de ruidos.

The city council approved a new noise ordinance.

Según la ordenanza municipal, no se puede aparcar aquí.

According to the local regulation, you cannot park here.

Debemos cumplir con las ordenanzas de limpieza de la ciudad.

We must comply with the city's cleaning statutes.

Always Feminine for Laws

When referring to a law or rule, this word is always feminine ('la ordenanza'), even if the law applies to everyone.

Local vs. National

In Spanish, 'ordenanza' is almost always used for local city rules. For big national rules, you would usually use 'ley' (law).

Confusing with 'Orden'

Mistake:Hice una ordenanza en el restaurante.

Correction: Hice un pedido (or una orden) en el restaurante.

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