règles
/ʁɛɡl/
The English phrase "rules" is translated into French as règles.
The term règles refers to instructions or regulations that govern how something is done or managed. règles can also refer to the physical tools used for drawing straight lines, such as a ruler. In figurative contexts, you might encounter the expression Les règles du jeu, which means "the rules of the game" and can be used to discuss guidelines outside of actual gaming. For legal or administrative contexts, the term Le règlement is often used to refer specifically to a set of regulations or guidelines.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is règle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁɛɡl/
Did you know?
- In French, règles is the common term used to refer to a menstrual period. Saying 'I have my rules' in English would be a mistranslation of j'ai mes règles.
- The word règle is a cognate of the English word 'regal'. Both derive from the Latin 'regula', which originally referred to a straight stick used for measuring or guiding.
- When a person says they are 'breaking the rules' in a way that is rebellious or deviant, they might use the verb transgresser rather than the simple casser (to break). Using casser les règles sounds unnatural and overly literal to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Suis les règles !Follow the rules.This example shows how to use règles in an imperative command.Tatoeba #3532186 by sacredceltic, translation #3529411 by Hybrid
- Je fais les règles.I make the rules.This example demonstrates the phrase "I make the rules" using règles.Tatoeba #6937017 by Aiji, translation #2380462 by CK
- Ce sont les règles.Those are the rules.This example shows how to identify certain instructions as règles.Tatoeba #8827004 by Rockaround, translation #2548141 by CK
- Veuillez respecter les règles de sécurité en tout temps.Please adhere to the safety rules at all times.
- Voici les trucs à respecter pour la fête.Here are the things to abide by for the party.
- Les règles du jeu sont assez simples à comprendre.The rules of the game are quite easy to understand.
- 329 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are starting a new board game.
- HugoEst-ce que tu connais les règles ?Do you know the rules?
- ManonNon, je ne les ai pas lues.No, I haven't read them.
- HugoJe vais lire les règles pour nous.I will read the rules for us.
- ManonMerci Hugo, c'est très gentil.Thank you Hugo, that's very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry règles, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
