reglar
Lemma Details
Translation: to regulate; to adjust; to rule; to set rules
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Derived from Latin 'regulare' meaning 'to control, direct, or regulate', which comes from 'regula' (rule, straight piece of wood). This shares the same Latin root as English words like 'regulate', 'regular', and 'rule'. The connection to straight pieces of wood reflects how rules were originally conceived as straight guidelines to follow.
Commonality: 50%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El gobierno debe reglar el uso de los recursos naturales.
The government must regulate the use of natural resources.
Es necesario reglar el comportamiento de los estudiantes en la escuela.
It is necessary to regulate the behavior of students at school.
La nueva ley regla el comercio internacional.
The new law regulates international trade.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'reglar' as related to 'regular' in English - both involve setting standards or rules.
- Remember 'regla' means 'ruler' (the measuring tool) - both help establish straight lines or clear guidelines.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'reglar' is often used in formal or administrative contexts when discussing the establishment of rules or regulations. It's common in legal, educational, and governmental settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'reglar' means 'to regulate' or 'to set rules', 'arreglar' means 'to fix' or 'to arrange'. 'Arreglar' is more about fixing something broken or organizing, while 'reglar' is about establishing rules or regulations.
This word:
El comité debe reglar las normas de conducta.
The committee must regulate the standards of conduct.
Confused word:
Necesito arreglar mi coche.
I need to fix my car.
Notes: 'Arreglar' is much more commonly used in everyday speech than 'reglar', which tends to appear in more formal contexts.
Mnemonic: Think of 'reglar' as setting REGulations, while 'arreglar' (with the 'a' prefix) is about Arranging or fixing things.
Explanation: As an adjective, 'regular' means 'normal' or 'ordinary', while the verb 'reglar' means 'to regulate'. They share the same etymology but have different grammatical functions.
This word:
Debemos reglar el uso de los teléfonos en clase.
We must regulate the use of phones in class.
Notes: 'Regular' can also be a verb in Spanish with a similar meaning to 'reglar', but 'reglar' is more specifically about setting rules.
Mnemonic: Remember that 'reglar' ends with '-ar' like many Spanish verbs (hablar, cantar), while 'regular' is typically an adjective.