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How to Say "regulations" in Spanish

English → Spanish

reglas

RREH-glas/ˈreɣlas/

Noun (Plural)A1general
Use 'reglas' for official requirements or instructions that must be followed, often in games, sports, or established procedures.
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-mahs/ˈnoɾmas/

nounA2formal
Choose 'normas' for formal laws, standards, or established codes of conduct, especially those related to safety, ethics, or legal compliance.
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.

régimen

nounB2formal
Use 'régimen' when referring to a comprehensive set of rules, policies, or a governing system within a specific organization, institution, or political context.

Examples

El régimen interno de la empresa prohíbe fumar.

The company's internal regulations prohibit smoking.

Reglas vs. Normas

Learners often confuse 'reglas' and 'normas'. Remember that 'reglas' are typically for specific instructions or requirements (like game rules), while 'normas' refer to broader, more formal laws or standards.

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