Inklingo

How to Say "ruler" in Spanish

English → Spanish

regla

RREH-glah/ˈreɣla/

nounA1
Use 'regla' when referring to the straight, flat measuring tool used for drawing lines or measuring short distances.
A close-up view of a long, straight, wooden ruler with clear markings, placed flat on a brightly colored surface.

Examples

Necesito una regla larga para dibujar esta línea.

I need a long ruler to draw this line.

¿Me prestas tu regla, por favor? La mía se rompió.

Can you lend me your ruler, please? Mine broke.

gobernador

go-ber-na-DOR/ɡoβeɾnaˈðoɾ/

nounB1formal
Use 'gobernador' for a person who governs or rules a territory, typically in a historical or political context.
A formally dressed political leader, representing a governor, standing confidently in front of a grand official government building. The leader is wearing a ceremonial sash.

Examples

El gobernador del estado firmó la nueva ley.

The state governor signed the new law.

El cargo de gobernador es elegido por voto popular.

The position of governor is chosen by popular vote.

Todos esperan que el nuevo gobernador mejore la economía local.

Everyone hopes the new governor improves the local economy.

Gender Rule

Since this word ends in '-or', it refers to a man (masculine). If you are talking about a female leader, you must use the feminine form: 'la gobernadora'.

Confusing Nouns

Mistake: “Using 'gobierno' when you mean the person.”

Correction: 'Gobierno' means the 'government' (the system or institution). 'Gobernador' is the person in charge. Use 'gobernador' when referring to the individual.

dueña

nounB2figurative
Use 'dueña' figuratively to mean a mistress or owner, someone in control of their own situation or destiny, not a political ruler.

Examples

Ella se siente dueña de su destino y toma todas las decisiones.

She feels mistress of her destiny and makes all the decisions.

Measuring Tool vs. Leader

The most common mistake is confusing 'regla' (measuring tool) with words for people in charge. Remember that 'regla' is always an object, while 'gobernador' and 'dueña' refer to people, with 'dueña' having a more figurative sense of ownership or control.

Related Translations

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