How to Say "rule" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “rule” is “regla” — use 'regla' for specific guidelines, instructions, or regulations, especially in games, sports, or social conventions..
regla
RREH-glah/ˈreɣla/
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-mah/ˈnoɾma/
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'.
ley
/ley//ˈlei̯/
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.
principio
/prin-SEE-pee-oh//pɾinˈθi.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.
gobierno
/go-BYEHR-no//ɡoˈβjeɾ.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.
dominio
doh-MEE-nyoh/doˈmi.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'.
imperio
/imˈpeh-ree-oh//imˈpe.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.
Rules vs. Norms vs. Laws
Related Translations
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