Rules (Leaving Cert Spanish): Revision Notes
Rules
Understanding school rules is essential for Spanish students, as educational systems have specific regulations that must be followed. In Spanish-speaking countries, schools typically have clear guidelines about behaviour, dress codes, and academic responsibilities. Learning how to express these rules helps you discuss educational experiences and understand expectations in Spanish educational settings.
Key vocabulary
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| las normas escolares | school rules |
| la regla | rule, regulation |
| está prohibido | it is forbidden |
| no se puede | you cannot/may not |
| hay que | you must/have to |
| el uniforme | uniform |
| los deberes | homework |
| el teléfono móvil | mobile phone |
| llegar a tiempo | arrive on time |
| comer chicle | chew gum |
| fumar | smoke |
| llevar piercings | wear piercings |
| beber refrescos | drink soft drinks |
| respetar | respect |
| cuidar | look after/take care of |
| el edificio | building |
| los recursos | resources |
| tirar basura | drop litter |
| correr | run |
| mandar mensajes | send messages |
Expressing rules and prohibitions
Spanish uses three main constructions to express school rules and regulations. Each has a slightly different tone and level of formality.
Using "está prohibido" (it is forbidden)
This is the most formal way to express prohibitions, often seen on official signs and in school handbooks. It's followed by an infinitive verb.
Examples of "está prohibido":
- Está prohibido fumar - Smoking is forbidden
- Está prohibido comer chicle - Chewing gum is forbidden
- Está prohibido beber refrescos - Drinking soft drinks is forbidden
Using "no se puede" (you cannot/may not)
This construction is slightly less formal but still official. It expresses what students are not allowed to do.
Examples of "no se puede":
- No se puede usar el móvil en clase - You may not use your phone in class
- No se puede mandar mensajes - You cannot send messages
- No se puede llegar tarde - You may not arrive late
- No se puede correr en el edificio - You cannot run in the building
Using "hay que" (you must/have to)
This expresses obligations and duties - what students must do rather than what they cannot do.
Examples of "hay que":
- Hay que llevar el uniforme - You must wear the uniform
- Hay que llegar a tiempo - You must arrive on time
- Hay que hacer los deberes todos los días - You must do homework every day
- Hay que traer el equipo necesario - You must bring the necessary equipment
- Hay que respetar a los profesores - You must respect the teachers
Negative constructions in Spanish
When expressing rules, you'll often need to use negative words. Spanish uses double negatives, which means you put no before the verb and can also add other negative words.
Important Grammar Rule: Double Negatives
Unlike English, Spanish requires double negatives. You MUST use "no" before the verb AND can add additional negative words. This is grammatically correct and necessary in Spanish.
Key negative words:
- nadie (nobody)
- Nadie quiere trabajar. → Nobody wants to work.
- No vi a nadie allí. → I didn't see anybody there.
- nunca (never)
- Nunca rompo las reglas. → I never break the rules.
- No rompo las reglas nunca. → I don't ever break the rules.
- nada (nothing/anything)
- No he hecho nada mal. → I haven't done anything wrong.
- ninguno/a (none, not any)
- Ningún estudiante llegó tarde. → No student arrived late.
- jamás (never)
- Jamás llego tarde al colegio. → I never arrive late to school.
Model sentences using the vocabulary
Practical Sentences for School Rules:
Here are sentences you might hear or use when discussing school rules:
- En mi colegio hay muchas normas estrictas - In my school there are many strict rules
- Los estudiantes tienen que respetar el código de vestimenta - Students have to respect the dress code
- No está permitido usar dispositivos electrónicos durante las clases - It's not allowed to use electronic devices during lessons
- Siempre llevo el uniforme completo todos los días - I always wear the complete uniform every day
- Los profesores son muy estrictos con la puntualidad - The teachers are very strict about punctuality
Grammar Note
Tener que (to have to) is another way to express obligation, similar to hay que but more personal. Use "tengo que" (I have to), "tienes que" (you have to), etc.
Useful expressions and idioms
These expressions will help you sound more natural when discussing school rules and student behaviour:
Common School Expressions
- cumplir las reglas - to follow/comply with the rules
- romper las reglas - to break the rules
- saltarse las normas - to skip/ignore the rules
- portarse bien - to behave well
- meterse en problemas - to get into trouble
- llamar la atención - to attract attention (usually negative)
- ¡Qué rollo! - What a drag! (informal complaint about rules)
- estar castigado/a - to be punished/in detention
- ser un/a alumno/a ejemplar - to be a model student
Sample piece: describing school rules
Complete Sample Text: Describing School Rules
Prompt: Describe the rules at your school and give your opinion about them.
Mi instituto tiene normas muy estrictas que todos los estudiantes deben seguir. Está prohibido usar el teléfono móvil durante las clases, y no se puede comer chicle ni beber refrescos en el aula. Hay que llevar el uniforme completo todos los días - camisa blanca, corbata azul y pantalones grises. También es obligatorio llegar puntualmente a todas las clases.
Los profesores son bastante severos con estas reglas. Nunca permiten que los estudiantes se salten las normas, y si alguien rompe una regla importante, puede meterse en problemas serios. Por ejemplo, si pillan a un alumno usando el móvil, el profesor se lo confisca hasta el final del día.
En mi opinión, algunas reglas son razonables porque ayudan a mantener el orden y crear un ambiente de aprendizaje. Sin embargo, creo que la regla sobre los uniformes es demasiado estricta - deberíamos poder expresar nuestra personalidad a través de la ropa. A pesar de todo, entiendo que las normas son necesarias para el buen funcionamiento del colegio.
Translation: My school has very strict rules that all students must follow. It's forbidden to use mobile phones during classes, and you can't chew gum or drink soft drinks in the classroom. You have to wear the complete uniform every day - white shirt, blue tie and grey trousers. It's also compulsory to arrive punctually to all classes.
The teachers are quite severe with these rules. They never allow students to skip the rules, and if someone breaks an important rule, they can get into serious trouble. For example, if they catch a student using their phone, the teacher confiscates it until the end of the day.
In my opinion, some rules are reasonable because they help maintain order and create a learning environment. However, I think the rule about uniforms is too strict - we should be able to express our personality through clothes. Despite everything, I understand that rules are necessary for the good functioning of the school.
Key language features: Mix of present tense, conditional (deberíamos), subjunctive (permiten que), opinion expressions, and connectors like sin embargo and a pesar de.
Key Points to Remember:
- Three ways to express rules: está prohibido (forbidden), no se puede (cannot), hay que (must)
- Double negatives are normal in Spanish - use no before the verb plus negative words like nunca or nadie
- Uniform vocabulary is essential - learn uniforme, corbata, camisa for describing dress codes
- Opinion phrases like en mi opinión and creo que help you discuss whether rules are fair
- School rules reflect cultural values - understanding them helps you navigate Spanish-speaking educational environments