regla
/ˈreɡla/feminine
In Spanish, the English word "rule" can be translated as regla. Wiktionary also lists canon.
Meaning: regulation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| regla | /ˈreɡla/ | feminine |
| canon | /ˈkanon/ | masculine |
regla is the general word for a regulation. It is also used in the mathematical phrase regla de tres to refer to the rule of three (proportions).
Which one should you use?
While regla is the general word for a rule or regulation, canon is used specifically for a rule or principle in a religious, artistic or legal context. In a casual context, you can use reglita to refer to a small or minor rule or normita to refer to a small or unimportant rule.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, precepto can be used as an alternative for "rule" in formal or legal contexts.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈreɡla/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Él me explicó la regla.He explained the rule to me.Tatoeba #940360 by hayastan, translation #297555 by CK
- Esta es la regla del juego.This is the rule of the game.Tatoeba #3716206 by hayastan, translation #3637807 by vvv123
- Deberías seguir esta regla.You should follow this rule.Tatoeba #9524937 by hayastan, translation #9524931 by CK
- Es importante seguir las reglas en el trabajo.It's important to follow the rules at work.
- Las normas de tráfico deben ser respetadas por todos los conductores.Traffic rules must be respected by all drivers.
- No olvides la reglita más importante: siempre reírse de los chistes malos.Don't forget the most important rule: always laugh at bad jokes.
- La normita de no hablar con la boca llena no aplica en nuestra amistad.The small rule of not talking with your mouth full doesn't apply to our friendship.
- El precepto de conducta es fundamental en una sociedad civilizada.The rule of conduct is fundamental in a civilized society.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about the office guidelines.
- MateoMaría, ¿conoces la nueva regla de la oficina?María, do you know the new office rule?
- MaríaNo, Mateo. ¿Cuál es esa regla?No, Mateo. What is that rule?
- MateoAhora es obligatorio llegar a las ocho.Now it is mandatory to arrive at eight.
- MaríaEsa es una regla muy estricta.That is a very strict rule.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rule” translations and entries regla, canon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries canon, regla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
