regla
/ˈreɡla/
The English phrase 'school ruler' is regla in Spanish.
The term refers to a straight strip of plastic or wood used to measure length or draw straight lines. You can specify the material by using the construction regla de followed by the material, such as regla de plástico or regla de madera.
Which one should you use?
While regla refers to the physical measuring tool, it is a homonym that can also mean a rule or regulation, such as in the phrase las reglas del juego (the rules of the game).
How does it change in a sentence?
regla is a feminine noun. Because of this, any accompanying adjectives must also be in the feminine form, such as una regla larga (a long ruler).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈreɡla/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, la regla is a common euphemism for a woman's menstrual period. This usage comes from the idea of a regular monthly cycle.
- Because regla descends from the Latin 'regere', it is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'regal'. Just as a king 'rules' a kingdom, a regla 'rules' a straight line.
Examples in context
- Por favor, ¿puedes pasarme la regla escolar?Could you please pass me the school ruler?
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir una regla de madera? Necesito una para mi clase de dibujo.Where can I get a wooden ruler? I need one for my drawing class.
- Necesito una regla para la clase de dibujo.I need a ruler for drawing class.
- La regla es de plástico transparente.The ruler is made of clear plastic.
- ¿Puedes prestarme tu regla un momento?Can you lend me your ruler for a moment?
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are sitting at a desk in a classroom.
- Mateo¿Tienes una regla en tu mochila?Do you have a ruler in your backpack?
- LucíaSí, aquí tienes la mía, Mateo.Yes, here is mine, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, es muy útil para trazar líneas.Thanks, it is very useful for drawing lines.
- LucíaDe nada, espero que te sirva.You're welcome, I hope it helps you.
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.
