Inklingo

How to Say "rules" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “rules” is “reglas” — use 'reglas' for informal or game-specific standards of conduct that must be followed.

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reglas

RREH-glasˈreɣlas

Noun (Plural)A1general
Use 'reglas' for informal or game-specific standards of conduct that must be followed.
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-yesˈle.ʝes

NounA1formal
Choose 'leyes' when referring to official, codified laws established by a government or governing body.
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-mahsˈnoɾmas

nounA2formal
Use 'normas' for official guidelines or standards of behavior within a specific organization or context, like a workplace.
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

nounA2formal
Employ 'términos' when referring to the conditions or stipulations you agree to, especially in contracts or user agreements.

Examples

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

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

normativa

nor-mah-TEE-bahnoɾmaˈtiβa

nounB1formal
Opt for 'normativa' to describe a set of general guidelines or regulations that govern a particular system or field.
A formal leather-bound book lying on a wooden table, representing official rules.

Examples

La empresa ha actualizado su normativa de seguridad.

The company has updated its safety regulations.

Debemos cumplir con la normativa vigente para evitar multas.

We must comply with the current regulations to avoid fines.

La nueva normativa europea protege la privacidad de los usuarios.

The new European regulations protect users' privacy.

Group vs. Single Rule

Use 'normativa' when talking about a whole system or set of rules. If you mean just one specific rule, use 'norma' or 'regla'.

Always Feminine

As a noun meaning 'regulations,' this word is always feminine: 'la normativa'.

Using it for casual rules

Mistake: “La normativa de mi casa es lavar los platos.”

Correction: La norma/regla de mi casa es lavar los platos.

Reglas vs. Normas

Learners often confuse 'reglas' and 'normas'. Remember that 'reglas' are typically for games or informal conduct, while 'normas' refer to more official guidelines, especially in professional or institutional settings.

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