Inklingo

How to Say "regulations" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “regulations” is “reglas” — use 'reglas' for general, everyday rules or requirements, often for games, activities, or basic social conduct.

reglas🔊A1

Use 'reglas' for general, everyday rules or requirements, often for games, activities, or basic social conduct.

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normas🔊A2

Choose 'normas' for formal laws, official standards, or established principles that must be followed, often in a professional or societal context.

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reglamento🔊B1

Use 'reglamento' when referring to a specific, comprehensive set of formal rules and procedures for an organization, institution, or competition.

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normativa🔊B1

Opt for 'normativa' when talking about a collection of rules, regulations, or guidelines officially established by an organization, industry, or governing body.

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régimen🔊B2

Use 'régimen' for a specific system or set of rules governing the internal operation or conduct of an organization or institution.

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English → Spanish

reglas

RREH-glasˈreɣlas

noun (plural)A1informal to formal
Use 'reglas' for general, everyday rules or requirements, often for games, activities, or basic social conduct.
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

NOR-mahsˈnoɾmas

noun (plural)A2formal
Choose 'normas' for formal laws, official standards, or established principles that must be followed, often in a professional or societal context.
A small cartoon figure meticulously walking along a straight, brightly colored line painted on the ground, representing adherence to official rules.

Examples

Debemos seguir las normas de seguridad en la fábrica.

We must follow the safety rules in the factory.

El gobierno aprobó nuevas normas para proteger el medio ambiente.

The government approved new regulations to protect the environment.

Hay normas de tráfico muy estrictas en esta ciudad.

There are very strict traffic rules in this city.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'normas' is the plural of 'norma,' which is a feminine noun. You must use feminine words like 'las' or 'estas' before it.

Gender Error

Mistake: “Los normas”

Correction: Las normas. Since 'norma' ends in -a, it is feminine, even in the plural form.

reglamento

reh-glah-MEHN-tohreɣlaˈmento

nounB1formal
Use 'reglamento' when referring to a specific, comprehensive set of formal rules and procedures for an organization, institution, or competition.
A colorful storybook illustration of a group of children standing in a line, following a leader by a playground.

Examples

Debes leer el reglamento antes de empezar a trabajar.

You must read the regulations before starting to work.

El árbitro aplicó el reglamento estrictamente durante el partido.

The referee applied the rulebook strictly during the match.

Estamos redactando el nuevo reglamento interno de la empresa.

We are drafting the company's new internal regulations.

Regla vs. Reglamento

While 'regla' usually refers to a single rule, 'reglamento' refers to the entire collection or document containing all the rules for a specific place or activity.

Gender Clue

Notice the '-miento' ending? Almost all Spanish words ending in '-miento' are masculine, so we always say 'el reglamento' and 'los reglamentos'.

The 'Ruler' Mistake

Mistake: “Using 'reglamento' to talk about a tool for drawing straight lines.”

Correction: Use 'regla' for the tool you use in geometry. 'Reglamento' is only for written rules.

normativa

nor-mah-TEE-bahnoɾmaˈtiβa

nounB1formal
Opt for 'normativa' when talking about a collection of rules, regulations, or guidelines officially established by an organization, industry, or governing body.
A formal leather-bound book lying on a wooden table, representing official rules.

Examples

La empresa ha actualizado su normativa de seguridad.

The company has updated its safety regulations.

Debemos cumplir con la normativa vigente para evitar multas.

We must comply with the current regulations to avoid fines.

La nueva normativa europea protege la privacidad de los usuarios.

The new European regulations protect users' privacy.

Group vs. Single Rule

Use 'normativa' when talking about a whole system or set of rules. If you mean just one specific rule, use 'norma' or 'regla'.

Always Feminine

As a noun meaning 'regulations,' this word is always feminine: 'la normativa'.

Using it for casual rules

Mistake: “La normativa de mi casa es lavar los platos.”

Correction: La norma/regla de mi casa es lavar los platos.

régimen

REH-hee-menˈreximen

nounB2formal
Use 'régimen' for a specific system or set of rules governing the internal operation or conduct of an organization or institution.
A neat stack of folders and a gavel on a desk, representing order and rules.

Examples

El régimen interno de la empresa prohíbe fumar.

The company's internal regulations prohibit smoking.

Bajo este régimen fiscal, pagamos menos impuestos.

Under this tax system, we pay fewer taxes.

Normas vs. Reglamento

Learners often confuse 'normas' and 'reglamento'. 'Normas' are general official rules or standards, like safety standards. 'Reglamento' refers to a more detailed, specific document of rules for an organization or activity.

Related Translations

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