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A1 noun 9 min de lecture

regola

A principle of action.

At the A1 level, the word 'regola' is introduced as a basic feminine noun. Students learn it primarily in the context of classroom rules or simple games. You will learn to say 'la regola' (the rule) and 'le regole' (the rules). The focus is on simple verbs like 'seguire' (to follow). You might hear your teacher say, 'Segui le regole della classe' (Follow the classroom rules). It is a vital word for understanding basic instructions. At this stage, you should simply focus on the spelling and the fact that it is feminine. You will also encounter it in basic phrases like 'di regola' to express that something usually happens in a certain way, though this might be slightly more advanced. Mostly, you will see it in plural form, 'le regole', when discussing games like football or cards. It's important to distinguish it from 'regalo' (gift), which sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'regola' in more varied daily contexts. You will learn the expression 'in regola', which is very common when talking about documents or work (e.g., 'Ho i documenti in regola'). This is essential for anyone living or traveling in Italy. You will also start to see 'regola' used in grammar explanations, such as 'le regole del passato prossimo'. You should be able to form sentences describing what you must or must not do using this word. For example, 'In questa casa, la regola è non fumare'. You also learn the adjective 'regolare' (regular) and the verb 'regolare' (to regulate/adjust), noticing how they share the same root. You might start using 'regola' to discuss healthy habits, like 'una regola di vita sana'. The focus shifts from just knowing the word to using it in common idiomatic expressions that describe personal and social standards.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'regola' in abstract discussions. You will learn more complex phrases like 'fare uno strappo alla regola' (to make an exception) and 'a regola d'arte' (perfectly done). You can now discuss the social and moral implications of rules. For instance, you might participate in a debate about 'le regole della società' or 'le regole del traffico'. Your vocabulary expands to include synonyms like 'norma' and 'regolamento'. You understand that 'regola' can also mean a religious code. You should be able to explain the rules of a complex activity or job to someone else using varied vocabulary. At this level, you also recognize the 'regola del pollice' (rule of thumb) and other metaphorical uses. You are expected to use the word correctly with different prepositions, such as 'secondo la regola' or 'per regola generale'.
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At the B2 level, your understanding of 'regola' becomes more nuanced. You can distinguish between 'regola', 'legge', 'norma', and 'precetto' based on the level of formality and the source of authority. you will use 'regola' in academic or professional contexts, such as discussing 'le regole della termodinamica' or 'le regole del mercato'. You are proficient in using the word in complex sentence structures, including the passive voice ('La regola è stata infranta'). You also understand the cultural nuances of 'le regole' in Italy—how they are sometimes viewed as suggestions rather than absolute mandates. You can read newspaper articles about 'nuove regole' for taxes or health and summarize them accurately. Your use of 'a regola d'arte' becomes more frequent when describing high-quality work or art, showing an appreciation for the 'mastery' aspect of the word.
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At the C1 level, you use 'regola' with the precision of a native speaker. You explore its use in literature and philosophy, such as the concept of 'la regola' in monastic life or the 'regole' of poetic meter. You can handle technical discussions where 'regola' refers to specific scientific or mathematical principles. You are aware of rare or archaic uses of the word. You can use 'regola' in sophisticated rhetorical ways, such as 'erigersi a regola' (to set oneself up as a rule/standard). Your understanding of 'in regola' extends to complex legal and bureaucratic situations, and you can navigate these discussions with ease. You also appreciate the etymological connection between 'regola' and 'reggere' (to rule/support) and how this influences the word's deeper meanings of stability and order. You can write essays debating the necessity of rules in creative processes.
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'regola' and its entire family of words. You can interpret and use it in the most subtle contexts, such as legal theory, where 'regola' might be contrasted with 'eccezione' in a philosophical sense. You are comfortable with the most obscure idioms and historical references involving the word. You can appreciate and produce puns or wordplay involving 'regola'. Your ability to use 'a regola d'arte' reflects a deep cultural understanding of Italian craftsmanship. You can analyze the evolution of 'regole' in the Italian language itself. Whether you are drafting a legal contract, writing a poem, or engaging in a high-level academic debate, you use 'regola' with perfect register and intent. You understand the word not just as a vocabulary item, but as a conceptual pillar of Western thought and Italian culture.
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Exemples

regola en 30 secondes

  • Regola means 'rule' and is feminine (la regola/le regole).
  • It is used for games, grammar, laws, and professional standards.
  • Common phrases include 'in regola' (legal) and 'di regola' (usually).
  • Don't confuse it with 'righello' (ruler) or 'regalo' (gift).

The Italian word regola is a fundamental noun that translates primarily to 'rule' in English. However, its semantic field is significantly broader, encompassing principles of action, regulations, norms, and even habits. At its core, a regola is a guide or a boundary that dictates how something should be done, whether it is a game of football, a grammatical structure, or a professional standard. In Italian society, the concept of a rule is often discussed in the context of both strict adherence and the creative flexibility known as 'l'eccezione che conferma la regola' (the exception that proves the rule).

Daily Life
In a household setting, parents might establish a regola regarding screen time or chores. For example, 'La regola è che si studia prima di giocare' (The rule is that one studies before playing). Here, it functions as a domestic guideline.
Sports and Games
Every sport is defined by its regole del gioco. Without these, the competition would lack structure. An referee (arbitro) is the guardian of these rules, ensuring that every 'infrazione alla regola' is penalized.
Professional Standards
In craftsmanship and art, the phrase 'a regola d'arte' is used to describe work done perfectly according to the highest professional standards. It implies a mastery that goes beyond mere compliance.

Dobbiamo seguire ogni regola del condominio per evitare problemi con i vicini.

Furthermore, regola can refer to a religious order's code of conduct, such as the 'Regola di San Benedetto'. This historical usage highlights the word's long-standing association with discipline and organized living. In modern bureaucracy, being 'in regola' means having all your documents and legal status in order, which is a crucial concept for residents and workers in Italy. Whether you are talking about 'regole grammaticali' or 'regole stradali' (traffic rules), the word serves as the backbone for describing how a system operates effectively.

In questo ufficio, la regola numero uno è la puntualità.

The flexibility of the word is evident in expressions like 'fare uno strappo alla regola', which means to make an exception or 'break the rule' just this once. This shows that while rules are respected, the Italian language has built-in ways to discuss the human element of bypassing them. Understanding 'regola' is not just about learning a noun; it is about understanding the social contracts that govern Italian life, from the way you park your Vespa to the way you conjugate a verb.

Non c'è regola senza eccezione.

Using regola correctly requires attention to its gender (feminine) and its plural form (regole). It is often accompanied by verbs like seguire (to follow), rispettare (to respect/abide by), infrangere (to break), or stabilire (to establish). In a sentence, it often acts as the direct object of these verbs, defining the scope of the action. For instance, 'L'insegnante spiega la regola' (The teacher explains the rule).

Prepositional Phrases
The phrase 'secondo la regola' (according to the rule) is common in technical or formal contexts. 'In regola' is used to describe a person whose papers are in order: 'Il lavoratore è in regola'.
Abstract vs. Concrete
While often abstract (a moral rule), it can be concrete in the context of 'regolo' (a slide rule or measuring tool), though 'regola' itself remains the standard for the concept of the law or norm.

Per regola, dovremmo consegnare il progetto entro venerdì.

When talking about mathematics or science, regola is used for formulas or theorems, such as 'la regola del tre' (the rule of three). In these contexts, it implies a logical necessity. In grammar, you will frequently encounter 'regole grammaticali' which are the essential building blocks for any learner. It is important to note that when a rule is particularly strict, it might be called a 'regola ferrea' (an iron rule).

Hai infranto una regola molto importante del nostro gruppo.

The word also appears in the context of health and lifestyle, such as 'regola di vita' (a way of life) or 'regole alimentari' (dietary rules). Here, it suggests a self-imposed discipline rather than an external law. When you want to say something is done 'by the book', you can use 'a termini di regola' or the more common 'a regola d'arte' if referring to quality. If you are 'fuori regola', you are operating outside the allowed parameters.

Le regole della strada esistono per proteggere tutti i guidatori.

In Italy, you will hear regola in a variety of settings, ranging from the most formal to the most casual. In a school (scuola), teachers will constantly refer to 'le regole della classe' or 'le regole di grammatica'. If you are watching a talk show about politics, pundits often discuss the 'regole del gioco politico', referring to the unwritten or legal norms that govern how parties interact.

The Workplace
In Italian offices, colleagues might discuss if a certain procedure is 'a norma di regola' or if someone is 'in regola' with their social security contributions (contributi). It is a word tied deeply to legal and professional standing.
Sports Commentary
During a 'partita di calcio' (soccer match), the commentator will often say 'il fallo è netto, la regola parla chiaro' (the foul is clear, the rule is explicit). This emphasizes the objective nature of the rules.

Scusi, ma questa è la regola della casa: non si fuma all'interno.

On the street, you might hear a parent scolding a child: 'Rispetta le regole!'. In a more metaphorical sense, an artist might say they 'rompono le regole' (break the rules) to innovate. Interestingly, in the world of fashion and design—where Italy excels—the 'regole dello stile' (rules of style) are frequently cited in magazines like Vogue Italia to explain what is currently 'in' or 'out'.

Per regola generale, il caffè si beve al banco.

In the kitchen, a 'nonna' might tell you that the 'regola d'oro' (golden rule) for a good ragù is to let it simmer for hours. Here, the word takes on the meaning of a 'secret' or a 'best practice'. Even in social interactions, there are 'regole di buona educazione' (rules of good manners) that dictate how to greet people or behave at a dinner party. The word is ubiquitous because it defines the structure of the Italian social fabric.

Non conosco bene le regole di questo gioco di carte.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using regola is confusing it with other similar concepts like 'legge' (law) or 'norma' (norm). While a 'legge' is a formal act passed by a parliament, a 'regola' can be much more informal, such as a rule in a game or a household habit. Using 'legge' for a board game rule sounds overly dramatic and incorrect.

Gender Errors
Since 'regola' ends in 'a', many beginners correctly identify it as feminine. However, they sometimes forget to change the ending in the plural, saying 'le regola' instead of 'le regole'.
Confusion with 'Regolare'
Learners often confuse the noun 'regola' with the adjective/verb 'regolare'. For example, saying 'È molto regola' instead of 'È molto regolare' (It is very regular/standard).

Sbagliato: Seguo il regola. Corretto: Seguo la regola.

Another common pitfall is the literal translation of English idioms. For instance, 'to make it a rule' is not 'farlo una regola' but rather 'farsene una regola' or 'avere come regola'. Similarly, 'as a rule' should be translated as 'di regola' or 'in genere', not 'come una regola'. Misusing these prepositions can make your Italian sound unnatural. Furthermore, 'in regola' is a fixed phrase; you cannot say 'nella regola' to mean 'legal' or 'authorized'.

Sbagliato: Ho comprato una regola per la scuola. Corretto: Ho comprato un righello per la scuola.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the verb 'regolare', which means 'to adjust' or 'to regulate'. While etymologically related, you wouldn't use the noun 'regola' to say 'I need to adjust the volume'. You must use the verb: 'Devo regolare il volume'. Understanding the distinction between the concept (noun) and the action (verb) is key to sounding like a native speaker.

Sbagliato: Questa è la regola del volume. Corretto: Questa è la manopola per regolare il volume.

While regola is the most versatile word for 'rule', several synonyms and related terms can add precision to your Italian. Choosing the right one depends on the context—whether it's legal, social, or technical.

Legge vs. Regola
A legge (law) is a formal, state-sanctioned requirement. A regola is broader and can be informal. You follow 'le leggi dello stato' but 'le regole di un gioco'.
Norma vs. Regola
A norma (norm/standard) is often used in technical or legal contexts (e.g., 'norme di sicurezza'). It implies a standard that must be met for safety or quality.
Precetto vs. Regola
A precetto (precept) is a command or instruction, often with a moral or religious connotation. It is more formal and less common in daily conversation than regola.

Dobbiamo seguire le norme di sicurezza del cantiere.

If you are talking about a specific instruction, you might use 'istruzione' or 'direttiva'. If it's a habitual way of doing things, 'usanza' (custom) or 'consuetudine' (habit/custom) might be more appropriate. For example, 'È un'usanza locale' (It's a local custom) describes a social rule that isn't necessarily written down. In the context of a recipe, you might hear 'procedimento' (procedure) instead of 'regola'.

Il regolamento scolastico proibisce l'uso dei cellulari.

In some cases, 'canone' (canon) is used, specifically in art or religion, to describe a set of established rules or principles. 'Principio' (principle) is another alternative when discussing the underlying logic of a rule. For instance, 'È una questione di principio' (It's a matter of principle). Understanding these nuances allows you to transition from basic Italian to a more sophisticated, context-aware level of fluency.

Questa regola è solo una consuetudine non scritta.

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Exemples par niveau

1

La regola è semplice.

The rule is simple.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

2

Qual è la regola?

What is the rule?

Interrogative sentence with 'quale'.

3

Seguo le regole.

I follow the rules.

Plural feminine 'le regole'.

4

Non conosco questa regola.

I don't know this rule.

Negative construction with 'non'.

5

Le regole sono importanti.

Rules are important.

Plural agreement of the adjective 'importanti'.

6

Una regola per tutti.

One rule for everyone.

Indefinite article 'una'.

7

Questa è la prima regola.

This is the first rule.

Ordinal number 'prima' agreeing with 'regola'.

8

Dobbiamo scrivere le regole.

We must write the rules.

Modal verb 'dobbiamo' followed by infinitive.

1

I miei documenti sono in regola.

My documents are in order.

Idiomatic use of 'in regola'.

2

Di regola, andiamo al mare in agosto.

As a rule, we go to the seaside in August.

Adverbial phrase 'di regola'.

3

Hai infranto la regola della casa.

You broke the house rule.

Past tense 'passato prossimo'.

4

Spiegami la regola del gioco.

Explain the rule of the game to me.

Imperative with indirect object pronoun 'mi'.

5

Esiste una regola per questo?

Is there a rule for this?

Use of the verb 'esistere'.

6

Dobbiamo stabilire nuove regole.

We need to establish new rules.

Adjective 'nuove' preceding the noun.

7

La regola dice di aspettare.

The rule says to wait.

Verb 'dire' used to personify the rule.

8

Non c'è una regola fissa.

There isn't a fixed rule.

Adjective 'fissa' meaning 'set' or 'permanent'.

1

Il lavoro è stato fatto a regola d'arte.

The work was done perfectly (according to the rules of the art).

Idiom 'a regola d'arte'.

2

Facciamo uno strappo alla regola per oggi.

Let's make an exception for today.

Idiom 'fare uno strappo alla regola'.

3

La regola dell'eccezione è sempre valida.

The rule of the exception is always valid.

Abstract noun usage.

4

Bisogna seguire le regole grammaticali.

One must follow the grammatical rules.

Impersonal 'bisogna'.

5

Il contratto è perfettamente in regola.

The contract is perfectly in order.

Adverb 'perfettamente' modifying the phrase 'in regola'.

6

Ogni sport ha le sue regole ferree.

Every sport has its iron-clad rules.

Adjective 'ferree' (iron/strict).

7

L'arbitro applica la regola del vantaggio.

The referee applies the advantage rule.

Specific sports terminology.

8

Non puoi cambiare le regole a metà gioco.

You can't change the rules halfway through the game.

Compound preposition 'a metà'.

1

La trasparenza è la regola fondamentale di questa azienda.

Transparency is the fundamental rule of this company.

Abstract metaphorical usage.

2

Secondo la regola, non si può entrare senza invito.

According to the rule, one cannot enter without an invitation.

Prepositional phrase 'secondo la'.

3

Hanno introdotto nuove regole per la sicurezza sul lavoro.

They introduced new rules for workplace safety.

Complex noun phrase 'sicurezza sul lavoro'.

4

La regola del tre è utile in matematica.

The rule of three is useful in mathematics.

Specific mathematical term.

5

Dobbiamo agire a termini di regola.

We must act according to the regulations.

Formal idiom 'a termini di'.

6

La sua è una regola di vita molto rigida.

His is a very rigid way of life.

Possessive pronoun 'la sua'.

7

L'eccezione conferma la regola.

The exception confirms the rule.

Proverbial expression.

8

Si è messo in regola con le tasse.

He settled his taxes (got in order).

Reflexive 'mettersi in regola'.

1

La regola monastica impone il silenzio durante i pasti.

The monastic rule imposes silence during meals.

Historical/religious context.

2

Non esiste una regola aurea per il successo.

There is no golden rule for success.

Literary adjective 'aurea' (golden).

3

Il poeta segue le regole della metrica classica.

The poet follows the rules of classical meter.

Technical literary context.

4

Erigersi a regola morale non è mai saggio.

Setting oneself up as a moral standard is never wise.

Advanced idiom 'erigersi a'.

5

La sentenza è stata emessa secondo le regole procedurali.

The verdict was issued according to procedural rules.

Legal terminology.

6

Le regole del decoro impongono un certo abbigliamento.

The rules of decorum require a certain attire.

Abstract concept 'decoro'.

7

Il caos regna dove mancano le regole.

Chaos reigns where rules are lacking.

Philosophical statement.

8

La regola di San Benedetto ha influenzato l'Europa.

The Rule of Saint Benedict influenced Europe.

Historical reference.

1

La dialettica tra regola ed eccezione è al centro del dibattito giuridico.

The dialectic between rule and exception is at the heart of legal debate.

High-level academic vocabulary.

2

Sottrarsi alla regola comune è un atto di ribellione.

Escaping the common rule is an act of rebellion.

Verb 'sottrarsi' (to evade/escape).

3

L'opera d'arte trascende le regole della sua epoca.

The work of art transcends the rules of its era.

Elevated verb 'trascendere'.

4

La rigidità della regola può talvolta soffocare la creatività.

The rigidity of the rule can sometimes stifle creativity.

Complex abstract subject.

5

Il sistema si autoregola secondo regole intrinseche.

The system self-regulates according to intrinsic rules.

Scientific/philosophical register.

6

Infrangere la regola aurea significa tradire se stessi.

Breaking the golden rule means betraying oneself.

Metaphorical depth.

7

Le regole di ingaggio devono essere chiaramente definite.

The rules of engagement must be clearly defined.

Military/political jargon.

8

La norma non è che una formalizzazione della regola sociale.

The norm is but a formalization of the social rule.

Sociological analysis.

Collocations courantes

seguire una regola
infrangere una regola
regola d'oro
regola ferrea
regola fissa
stabilire una regola
regola generale
eccezione alla regola
regola grammaticale
regola di condotta

Phrases Courantes

Di regola

In regola

A regola d'arte

Per regola

Fare uno strappo alla regola

Mettersi in regola

Regola del tre

A termini di regola

Regola di vita

Fuori regola

Expressions idiomatiques

"L'eccezione conferma la regola"

The exception proves/confirms the rule. Used when something unusual happens.

Lui è in ritardo? Beh, l'eccezione conferma la regola.

informal/neutral

"Regola d'oro"

The most important rule or principle to follow.

La regola d'oro in cucin

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