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How to Say "statute" in Spanish

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ley

/ley//ˈlei̯/

NounA2Formal
Use 'ley' for a general, formal, written law passed by a legislative body that all citizens must follow.
A perfectly balanced scale of justice made of gold, symbolizing official government law.

Examples

Todos los ciudadanos deben obedecer la ley.

All citizens must obey the law.

El congreso aprobó una nueva ley para proteger el medio ambiente.

The congress passed a new law to protect the environment.

Romper la ley puede tener consecuencias serias.

Breaking the law can have serious consequences.

Always Feminine: 'la ley'

Even though 'ley' doesn't end in '-a', it's a feminine word. Always use 'la' or 'una' with it, like 'la ley' (the law) or 'una ley importante' (an important law).

Making it Plural: 'leyes'

To talk about more than one law, 'ley' becomes 'leyes'. The 'y' changes to an 'i' before adding '-es'. This happens with other words ending in '-y' too, like 'rey' (king) which becomes 'reyes' (kings).

Confusing 'ley' and 'derecho'

Mistake: “Estudio la ley en la universidad.”

Correction: Estudio derecho en la universidad. 'Ley' refers to a specific, single rule or statute. 'Derecho' refers to the entire field of law as a subject of study, or a right that someone has.

norma

NOR-mah/ˈnoɾma/

nounA1General
Use 'norma' for a rule or regulation, often a specific guideline within a larger set of laws or established practice, like safety rules.
A simple red hexagonal stop sign stands prominently on a colorful, winding road, illustrating an official instruction or rule.

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'.

código

/KO-dee-goh//ˈkoðiɣo/

nounB1Formal
Choose 'código' when referring to a systematic collection of statutes and laws, such as a penal code or civil code.
A serious figure wearing a formal robe standing next to a massive, closed law book, symbolizing a system of rules.

Examples

El código penal establece las leyes sobre los crímenes.

The penal code establishes the laws regarding crimes.

Debemos seguir el código de vestimenta en la oficina.

We must follow the dress code in the office.

Law vs. Code vs. Rule

Learners often confuse 'ley' and 'norma'. Remember that 'ley' is a formal, overarching law, while 'norma' is more like a specific rule or regulation. 'Código' is distinct as a compilation of laws.

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