Inklingo

How to Say "regulation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

norma

NOR-mah/ˈnoɾma/

nounA1formal
Use 'norma' when referring to a formal requirement or standard set by an organization, like safety standards or quality control.
A simple red hexagonal stop sign stands prominently on a colorful, winding road, illustrating an official instruction or rule.

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'.

regla

RREH-glah/ˈreɣla/

nounA2formal
Choose 'regla' for general instructions or guidelines that must be followed, such as the rules of a game or classroom procedures.
A stylized figure walking precisely on a thick, straight yellow line painted on the ground, symbolizing following a rule or guideline.

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.

disposición

nounC1formal
Use 'disposición' for a specific, often legal or official, ruling, decree, or provision issued by an authority.

Examples

La nueva disposición del ministerio afecta a todos los trabajadores.

The ministry's new ruling affects all workers.

Norma vs. Regla vs. Disposición

Learners often confuse 'norma' and 'regla' because both refer to rules. Remember that 'norma' is typically for organizational standards (like safety norms), while 'regla' is more general (like game rules). 'Disposición' is distinct, referring to an official decree or provision from an authority.

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