chef
/ɧeːf/common gender
The English word 'boss' is translated into Swedish as chef.
chef is the standard professional term for a manager or supervisor. While English speakers might use 'boss' in casual settings, chef is the appropriate word in a professional context. Other related terms include arbetsgivare, which means employer and VD, an abbreviation for Verkställande Direktör (Managing Director) used for the highest-ranking boss in a company.
Meaning: person in charge (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun chef changes based on number and definiteness. Use chefen for 'the boss' (definite singular) and chefer for 'bosses' (plural). For 'the bosses', use the definite plural form cheferna. The related verb bossa means to exercise authority over someone.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɧeːf/
Did you know?
- In a Swedish office, using the word chef to address your supervisor directly can sometimes come across as sarcastic because the culture favors extreme informality.
- While chef means 'boss' in Swedish, the same word in French originally means 'head', as in the head of a body or an organization.
- Swedish culture emphasizes 'consensus' and flat hierarchies, so while a chef has authority, they often lead through cooperation rather than command.
Examples in context
- Han var min chef.He was my boss.This sentence shows how to use chef to describe a former boss.Tatoeba #4343792 by richke, translation #2797238 by CM
- Jag är din chef nu.I'm your boss now.This sentence demonstrates how to use chef to state a current position of authority.Tatoeba #3784435 by herrsilen, translation #3737020 by CK
- Sami mejlade sin chef.Sami e-mailed his boss.This sentence shows the use of chef in the context of contacting a supervisor.Tatoeba #6363851 by SilasNordgren, translation #6326214 by OsoHombre
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Erik are talking at their workplace.
- EmmaÄr din chef snäll?Is your boss kind?
- ErikJa, min chef är jättebra.Yes, my boss is great.
- EmmaDet låter skönt.That sounds nice.
- ErikVad är din chefs namn?What is your boss's name?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boss” translations and entries chef, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chef, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
