How to Say "statute" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “statute” is “ley” — use 'ley' for a general, formal, written law that applies to all citizens.
ley
leyˈlei̯
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-mahˈnoɾma
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
Examples
El código penal establece las leyes sobre los crímenes.
The penal code establishes the laws regarding crimes.
estatuto
es-tah-TOO-tohestaˈtuto
Examples
El club aprobó un nuevo estatuto para sus socios.
The club approved a new bylaw for its members.
Debemos consultar los estatutos de la empresa.
We must consult the company bylaws.
El Estatuto de Autonomía es fundamental para esta región.
The Statute of Autonomy is fundamental for this region.
Singular vs. Plural
While 'estatuto' (singular) refers to a specific legal document, you will often see it in plural ('estatutos') when referring to the collective set of rules for a business or organization.
Identifying Gender
This word ends in -o, making it masculine. You should always use masculine articles: 'el estatuto' or 'los estatutos'.
Statue vs. Statute
Mistake: “La estatuto de la ciudad.”
Correction: El estatuto (rule) vs. La estatua (monument). Spanish learners often confuse 'estatuto' with 'estatua' because they look similar in English.
Using it for everyday 'rules'
Mistake: “Los estatutos de mi casa son estrictos.”
Correction: Use 'reglas' for household rules. 'Estatuto' is strictly for formal organizations, laws, or companies.
ordenanza
or-deh-NAN-thahordeˈnanθa
Examples
El ayuntamiento aprobó una nueva ordenanza de ruidos.
The city council approved a new noise ordinance.
Según la ordenanza municipal, no se puede aparcar aquí.
According to the local regulation, you cannot park here.
Debemos cumplir con las ordenanzas de limpieza de la ciudad.
We must comply with the city's cleaning statutes.
Always Feminine for Laws
When referring to a law or rule, this word is always feminine ('la ordenanza'), even if the law applies to everyone.
Local vs. National
In Spanish, 'ordenanza' is almost always used for local city rules. For big national rules, you would usually use 'ley' (law).
Confusing with 'Orden'
Mistake: “Hice una ordenanza en el restaurante.”
Correction: Hice un pedido (or una orden) en el restaurante.
General Law vs. Specific Rules
Related Translations
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