How to Say "rule" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “rule” is “regla” — use 'regla' for a specific, often explicit, guideline, instruction, or standard of conduct, especially in games, social situations, or everyday procedures.
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.
ley
leyˈlei̯
Examples
La ley de la gravedad es un principio fundamental de la física.
The law of gravity is a fundamental principle of physics.
En los negocios, la ley de la oferta y la demanda determina los precios.
In business, the law of supply and demand determines prices.
Es ley de vida que las cosas cambien con el tiempo.
It's a fact of life that things change over time.
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'.
dominio
doh-MEE-nyohdoˈmi.njo
Examples
El rey tenía dominio absoluto sobre todo el territorio.
The king had absolute control over the entire territory.
Establecer un dominio completo sobre el mercado es su objetivo.
Establishing complete control over the market is their goal.
Masculine Noun Rule
Remember that 'dominio' is always a masculine noun, so it takes masculine articles: 'el dominio' or 'un dominio'.
gobierno
go-BYEHR-noɡoˈβjeɾ.no
Examples
Su gobierno del país duró una década.
His rule over the country lasted a decade.
El buen gobierno es esencial para la prosperidad.
Good governance is essential for prosperity.
principio
prin-SEE-pee-ohpɾinˈθi.pjo
Examples
Es una mujer de principios firmes.
She is a woman of firm principles.
No lo haré, va en contra de mis principios.
I won't do it, it goes against my principles.
El principio de la gravedad explica por qué las cosas caen.
The principle of gravity explains why things fall.
reinado
ray-NAH-dohrei̯ˈnaðo
Examples
El reinado de la reina Victoria fue muy largo.
Queen Victoria's reign was very long.
Hubo muchos avances científicos durante su reinado.
There were many scientific advances during his reign.
El equipo de fútbol terminó su reinado tras perder la final.
The soccer team ended its reign after losing the final.
Reinado vs. Reino
Use 'reinado' when talking about the time or action of ruling. Use 'reino' when referring to the physical place or country (the kingdom).
Using 'Durante'
This word is almost always paired with 'durante' (during) to describe events that happened while someone was in power.
Don't confuse with the kingdom itself
Mistake: “España es un reinado muy antiguo.”
Correction: España es un reino muy antiguo. (Use 'reino' for the country/place and 'reinado' for the time a king is on the throne.)
dominación
Examples
Muchos países lucharon para terminar con la dominación colonial.
Many countries fought to end colonial rule.
regulación
Examples
La regulación del tráfico es necesaria en las ciudades grandes.
Traffic regulation is necessary in big cities.
imperio
imˈpeh-ree-ohimˈpe.ɾjo
Examples
El dictador ejerció su imperio con mano de hierro.
The dictator exercised his dominion with an iron fist.
La ley debe tener imperio sobre todos los ciudadanos.
The law must have authority over all citizens.
Formal Usage
In this context, 'imperio' is often reserved for formal or written Spanish, referring to the abstract concept of powerful control, usually in legal or political discussions.
General vs. Specific Control
Related Translations
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