Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jefe | /ˈxefe/ | masculine |
| jefa | /ˈxefa/ | feminine |
The term is used to describe a person in charge. While it is a standard way to refer to a superior, it is also used colloquially in some Spanish-speaking countries as a term of address for someone, similar to how one might say 'boss' or 'chief' in English. Related verbs for exercising authority include dirigir, mandar and bosear.
Which one should you use?
jefe is the masculine form and is also used as a generic term for a boss of unknown gender. jefa is the specific feminine form. For groups, jefes refers to a group of male bosses or a mixed-gender group, while jefas refers exclusively to a group of female bosses.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, the term patrón/na can be seen as archaic or offensive due to historical labor dynamics.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Use jefa when referring to a female boss. Use jefes for a group of male bosses or a mixed-gender group, and use jefas for a group consisting only of female bosses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxefe/
Did you know?
- Although it means 'boss', the word jefe is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'chef'.
- In many Spanish-speaking households, children colloquially refer to their father as el jefe.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a shopkeeper or a taxi driver jefe is a common way to show friendly respect.
Examples in context
- Él es mi jefe.He is my boss.This sentence is useful for identifying a male boss using jefe.Tatoeba #1190129 by marcelostockle, translation #297905 by CK
- Odio a mi jefe.I hate my boss.This sentence is useful for expressing a negative feeling toward a male boss using jefe.Tatoeba #4385011 by hayastan, translation #4384890 by Hybrid
- Tú eres el jefe.You're the boss.This sentence is useful for telling someone they are the boss using jefe.Tatoeba #592447 by Leono, translation #440089 by CM
- El jefe nos ha convocado a una reunión importante.The boss has called us for an important meeting.
- El director de la empresa está satisfecho con nuestros resultados.The company director is satisfied with our results.
- Mi patrón me ha ofrecido una oportunidad de ascenso.My boss has offered me a promotion.
- Hola, jefe, ¿vamos a almorzar juntos?Hey, boss, shall we have lunch together?
- ¡Buen trabajo, jefazo! Siempre nos motivas a dar lo mejor.Great job, boss! You always motivate us to do our best.
- 204 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are at the office.
- Mateo¿Dónde está el jefe hoy?Where is the boss today?
- MaríaÉl está en una reunión.He is in a meeting.
- MateoTengo que hablar con mi jefe.I have to speak with my boss.
- MaríaEspera a que termine.Wait until he finishes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boss” translations and entries jefe, jefa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jefa, jefe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
