regla
/ˈreɡla/
The English phrase 'measuring ruler' is translated into Spanish as regla.
regla refers to a straight strip of plastic or wood used to measure length or draw straight lines. It can refer to the physical measuring tool or to an abstract rule or regulation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of regla is reglas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈreɡla/
Did you know?
- In common Spanish conversation, regla is also the standard word used to refer to a woman's menstrual period.
- The word regla is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'rule'. Both descend from the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root meaning to move in a straight line or to direct.
- In Spanish, the word regla can be used to describe a strict set of monastic guidelines, such as the 'Rule of Saint Benedict'.
Examples in context
- Profesor García, ¿puede prestarme su regla de medición? Necesito tomar medidas precisas para el informe.Professor García, could you lend me your measuring ruler? I need to take precise measurements for the report.
- Oye, ¿me pasas la reglita de medir? Quiero ver cuánto mide este papel para dibujar.Hey, could you pass me the little measuring ruler? I want to see how big this piece of paper is for drawing.
- Usa la regla para trazar una línea recta.Use the ruler to draw a straight line.
- Necesito una regla para este dibujo.I need a ruler for this drawing.
- La regla es de plástico transparente.The ruler is made of transparent plastic.
- ¿Me prestas tu regla un momento?Can you lend me your ruler for a moment?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are working on a school project at a table.
- Elena¿Tienes una regla en tu mochila?Do you have a ruler in your backpack?
- JavierSí, aquí tienes la regla.Yes, here is the ruler.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. La usaré para trazar la línea.Thanks, Javier. I will use it to draw the line.
- JavierDe nada, Elena. Ten cuidado de no romperla.You're welcome, Elena. Be careful not to break it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry regla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries regla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
