norma
nounCEFR B2
What does “norma” mean in English?
norm, standard — an established rule or expected pattern of behaviour
norm, standard — an established rule or expected pattern of behaviour (normas sociales; cumplir la norma)
Example sentences
Las normas sociales cambian con el tiempo y reflejan los valores dominantes en cada época.
Social norms change over time and reflect the dominant values of each era.
La norma general es que los contratos temporales no pueden encadenarse más allá de veinticuatro meses.
The general rule is that temporary contracts cannot be chained together beyond twenty-four months.
La empresa ha obtenido la certificación ISO 9001, que garantiza el cumplimiento de normas internacionales de calidad.
The company has obtained ISO 9001 certification, which guarantees compliance with international quality standards.
How to use it
La norma (noun, feminine) means 'norm', 'rule', or 'standard' — an established expectation of behaviour or a binding regulation. Key collocations: normas sociales/culturales; cumplir/respetar la norma; la norma general (the general rule); normativa (body of regulations); norma ISO/UNE (technical standard). Distinguish from ley (law — legally enforceable), regla (rule — often simpler), and pauta (guideline — recommended but not binding). La normativa is the collective noun for a body of norms.
Common mistake
Norma (rule/norm) is broader than ley (law). Normativa is the collective noun for a body of regulations: la normativa europea. Cumplir la norma (not *obedecer la norma — though both work). 'Norm' in statistics = norma or valor típico. 'The norm is' = lo normal es / la norma es que + indicative/subjunctive.