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How to Say "rules" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “rules” is “reglas” — use 'reglas' when referring to specific instructions or standards of conduct for a game, activity, or situation where compliance is expected..

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reglas

RREH-glas/ˈreɣlas/

Noun (Plural)A1general
Use 'reglas' when referring to specific instructions or standards of conduct for a game, activity, or situation where compliance is expected.
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.

leyes

LEY-yes/ˈle.ʝes/

Noun (Plural)A1formal
Choose 'leyes' for formal, established regulations created by a government or authority that are binding on citizens.
A simple illustration of an official parchment scroll, tightly rolled and tied with a red ribbon and gold seal, symbolizing codified laws and statutes.

Examples

Debemos obedecer las leyes de tráfico.

We must obey the traffic laws.

El presidente firmó las nuevas leyes ambientales.

The president signed the new environmental legislation.

Las leyes de la física son universales.

The laws of physics are universal.

Feminine Plural

Remember that 'leyes' (laws) is always used with feminine plural words that describe it, like 'las leyes' (the laws) or 'leyes estrictas' (strict laws).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Los leyes”

Correction: Las leyes. Even though many words ending in '-es' are masculine, 'ley' (law) is feminine, so its plural form must also be feminine.

normas

NOR-mahs/ˈnoɾmas/

Noun (Plural)A2formal
Use 'normas' for official guidelines or standards of behavior, often in a professional or institutional setting, that promote order or safety.
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.

términos

Noun (Plural)A2formal
Opt for 'términos' when referring to the specific conditions or stipulations that govern an agreement, contract, or the use of a service or product.

Examples

Antes de usar la aplicación, debes aceptar los términos y condiciones.

Before using the application, you must accept the terms and conditions.

Reglas vs. Leyes vs. Normas

Learners often confuse 'reglas' and 'leyes'. Remember that 'reglas' are typically for games or specific activities, while 'leyes' are official, government-mandated laws. 'Normas' are a bit more flexible, referring to guidelines in a specific environment.

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