szef
/ˈʂɛf/masculine
The Polish word for boss is szef. Wiktionary also lists szefowa and naczelnik.
Meaning: person in charge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| szef | /ˈʂɛf/ /ˈʂɛf/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| szefowa | /ʂɛˈfɔ.va/ | feminine |
| naczelnik | /naˈt͡ʂɛl.ɲik/ | masculine |
| naczelniczka | feminine |
The terms are used to describe a person in charge. szef and szefowa are the common words used in business or general contexts.
Which one should you use?
Use szef for a male boss and szefowa for a female boss. While szef is the common way to say boss, naczelnik (masculine) or naczelniczka (feminine) is a more formal title meaning head or chief, often used in administrative or institutional settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing a role or identity using the verb 'to be', the word may change its form. For example, in the sentence To on jest szefem, the word changes to szefem because the verb requires the instrumental case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʂɛf/
Did you know?
- Calling someone szefie (the vocative form of szef) is a common, slightly colloquial way to address taxi drivers or street vendors in Poland.
- In Polish culture, calling your boss szef in a casual setting can sometimes be used ironically or as a friendly nickname among coworkers.
- The word szef is a loanword from the French 'chef'.
Examples in context
- To on jest szefem.He's the boss.This sentence shows how to identify a male boss using the form szef.Tatoeba #7970878 by arie, translation #6607812 by MaryJ
- To ty jesteś szefem.You're the boss.This sentence shows how to identify someone as the boss using the form szef.Tatoeba #440274 by zipangu, translation #440089 by CM
- Tom ma nowego szefa.Tom has a new boss.This sentence demonstrates using the form szef to indicate someone has a boss.Tatoeba #6441715 by arie, translation #6440524 by CK
- Dzień dobry, Pani Kowalska. Czy mogę porozmawiać z szefem?Good morning, Mrs. Kowalska. Can I speak with the boss?
- Proszę poinformować dyrektora, że konferencja została odwołana.Please inform the boss that the conference has been canceled.
- Cześć, szefu! Czy dzisiaj mamy zebranie?Hi, boss! Do we have a meeting today?
- Daj znać kierownikowi, że jestem chory i nie mogę dziś przyjść do pracy.Let the boss know that I'm sick and can't come to work today.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Paweł and Anna are talking in a workplace hallway.
- PawełWidziałaś już nowego szefa?Have you seen the new boss yet?
- AnnaTak, spotkałam go rano.Yes, I met him this morning.
- PawełCzy on jest surowy?Is he strict?
- AnnaNie, wydaje mi się bardzo miły.No, he seems very kind to me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boss” translations and entries szef, szefowa, naczelnik, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries naczelnik, szef, szefowa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
