regla de un metro
/reɡla de un metɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'meter stick' is regla de un metro in Spanish.
A meter stick is a measuring tool that is one meter in length. While the word regla can refer to any ruler, adding de un metro specifies the exact length of the meter stick.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of regla (rule/ruler), de (of) and un metro (one meter).
Which one should you use?
The term regla métrica can also be used to refer to a metric ruler or meter stick in technical contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/reɡla de un metɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word regla has a double meaning and is the common term for a woman's menstrual period. Using it in a vague context can lead to humorous misunderstandings.
- The word metro is a homonym in Spanish. Depending on the context, it can mean the unit of measurement or the 'metro' subway system.
- The Spanish word regla is a doublet of the word reja, which means 'grate' or 'gate'. While regla was a learned borrowing from Latin, reja is the word inherited directly from the common spoken tradition.
Examples in context
- Necesito una regla de un metro para el proyecto.I need a meter stick for the project.
- La regla de un metro está en el cajón.The meter stick is in the drawer.
- ¿Tienes una regla de un metro disponible?Do you have a meter stick available?
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are in a classroom preparing for an art class.
- SofíaMateo, ¿me prestas tu regla de un metro?Mateo, can you lend me your meter stick?
- MateoClaro, Sofía, aquí tienes.Sure, Sofía, here you go.
- SofíaGracias, es perfecta para medir esta tela.Thanks, it is perfect for measuring this fabric.
- MateoNo hay problema, úsala con cuidado.No problem, use it carefully.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, metro, regla, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
