How to Say "regulation" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “regulation” is “regla” — use 'regla' for any general, formal instruction or guideline, like the rules of a game or a basic procedure.
regla
RREH-glahˈreɣla
Examples
Hay que seguir las reglas del juego si queremos ganar.
We have to follow the rules of the game if we want to win.
Esa es una regla básica de convivencia en este edificio.
That is a basic rule of coexistence in this building.
La regla general es llegar siempre a tiempo.
The general rule is to always arrive on time.
Plural Usage
When talking about guidelines or instructions, 'regla' is very often used in the plural: 'las reglas' (the rules).
Using 'Ley' instead of 'Regla'
Mistake: “Usar 'ley' para las reglas de un juego.”
Correction: Use 'regla' for guidelines or rules of a game; 'ley' (law) is usually reserved for formal, legal statutes enforced by the government.
norma
NOR-mahˈnoɾma
Examples
Debemos seguir las normas de seguridad en el trabajo.
We must follow the safety rules at work.
El gobierno aprobó una nueva norma para proteger el medio ambiente.
The government approved a new regulation to protect the environment.
Gender Check
Remember that 'norma' is a feminine word, so always use 'la' or 'una' before it, and use feminine adjectives (e.g., 'la norma estricta').
Using the wrong article
Mistake: “El norma”
Correction: La norma. Even though it ends in 'a,' it's easy to forget that it's feminine, but 'norma' always takes 'la'.
regulación
Examples
La regulación del tráfico es necesaria en las ciudades grandes.
Traffic regulation is necessary in big cities.
disposición
Examples
La nueva disposición del ministerio afecta a todos los trabajadores.
The ministry's new ruling affects all workers.
estatuto
es-tah-TOO-tohestaˈtuto
Examples
El club aprobó un nuevo estatuto para sus socios.
The club approved a new bylaw for its members.
Debemos consultar los estatutos de la empresa.
We must consult the company bylaws.
El Estatuto de Autonomía es fundamental para esta región.
The Statute of Autonomy is fundamental for this region.
Singular vs. Plural
While 'estatuto' (singular) refers to a specific legal document, you will often see it in plural ('estatutos') when referring to the collective set of rules for a business or organization.
Identifying Gender
This word ends in -o, making it masculine. You should always use masculine articles: 'el estatuto' or 'los estatutos'.
Statue vs. Statute
Mistake: “La estatuto de la ciudad.”
Correction: El estatuto (rule) vs. La estatua (monument). Spanish learners often confuse 'estatuto' with 'estatua' because they look similar in English.
Using it for everyday 'rules'
Mistake: “Los estatutos de mi casa son estrictos.”
Correction: Use 'reglas' for household rules. 'Estatuto' is strictly for formal organizations, laws, or companies.
ordenanza
or-deh-NAN-thahordeˈnanθa
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.
ordenación
Examples
La ordenación del territorio es vital para el desarrollo sostenible.
Land-use planning is vital for sustainable development.
General Rules vs. Specific Decrees
Related Translations
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