Which one should you use?
While šef is a general term for a boss, direktor is used specifically for high-level corporate executives or directors. For a female director, you would use direktorica and for a male director, you would use direktor.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In more formal corporate settings, you may use direktor for a male director or direktorica for a female director. For an informal and friendly way to address a person in charge in small businesses or family-run establishments, you can use gazda. This colloquial or old-fashioned term can imply an employer or a person of authority in a more personal or traditional sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word šef changes depending on its role in a sentence. To specify a female boss, use the feminine form šefica. The plural form of šef is šefovi. When šef is the direct object of a verb, it changes to šefa (the accusative case). When used with verbs of giving or communicating to someone, it changes to šefu (the dative case).
Did you know?
- In casual Croatian speech, calling someone šefe can be used as a friendly or slightly ironic way to address a stranger, regardless of their actual rank.
- Although šef is used for a person in charge, the word comes from the French word for 'chief', which is also the root for the English word 'chef' used in cooking.
- The word gazda is sometimes used to describe someone who is 'the master of the house' or wealthy, even if they do not employ anyone.
Examples in context
- Pitao sam šefa za povišicu.I asked my boss for a pay rise.This sentence shows how to use the form šef when it is the direct object of a verb.Tatoeba #5730207 by puzz, translation #1345623 by Chrikaru
- Šef me je pozvao u svoj ured.My boss called me into his office.Tatoeba #3957096 by krofna, translation #3832037 by CK
- Vidite šefe, mi smo bili pažljivi kad smo se rješavali dokaza. Mogu vas uvjeriti da smo ovo uspješno zatajili.Well boss, we were thorough when we disposed of the evidence. I can assure you, we've got the cat in the bag on this one.This sentence shows the use of the form šefe as a form of address.Tatoeba #6077890 by kkupus, translation #4890187 by slyfin
- Molim vas, gospođo/Poštovani gospodine, mogu li razgovarati s vama? Ja sam novi zaposlenik i trebam vidjeti šefa.Excuse me, sir/madam, can I talk to you? I am a new employee and I need to see the boss.
- Gospodine direktore/Direktorice, želio/željela bih vam predstaviti naš novi projektni plan.Mr. director/Ms. director, I would like to present our new project plan to you.
- Hej, šefice, trebam malo više vremena za završavanje projekta.Hey, boss, I need a bit more time to finish the project.
- Pozdrav, gazdo. Imate li trenutak da porazgovaramo o strategiji poslovanja?Hello, boss. Do you have a moment to discuss the business strategy?
Example conversation
Luka and Petra are talking at a cafe during their break.
- LukaJe li novi šef ljubazan?Is the new boss polite?
- PetraDa, on je vrlo fer.Yes, he is very fair.
- LukaDrago mi je to čuti.I am glad to hear that.
- PetraSvi ga vole u uredu.Everyone in the office likes him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries šef, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
