Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| jefe | /ˈxefe/ | masculine |
| jefa | /ˈxefa/ | feminine |
jefe and jefa are used to refer to a person in charge. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, these terms are also used colloquially as a term of respect or endearment when addressing someone, similar to how one might use 'chief' or 'boss' in English.
Which one should you use?
jefe is the masculine form and can also be used as a generic term to refer to a group of bosses of mixed gender. jefa is specifically the feminine form.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in rural areas, the term Patrón or Patrona is used to refer to a boss. In certain other regions, the diminutive forms Jefecito or Jefecita are occasionally used as an affectionate way to refer to a boss.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Use jefa when referring specifically to a female boss.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxefe/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the term mi jefe is frequently used to refer to one's father, mirroring the use of jefa for the mother.
- The word jefe shares a common ancestor with the English word 'chief' through the Old French word 'chef'.
- While jefe is standard, patrón carries a historical weight related to land ownership and feudal systems in Latin America.
Examples in context
- Él es mi jefe.He is my boss.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's role using jefe.Tatoeba #1190129 by marcelostockle, translation #297905 by CK
- Odio a mi jefe.I hate my boss.This sentence demonstrates expressing a negative feeling toward a jefe.Tatoeba #4385011 by hayastan, translation #4384890 by Hybrid
- Tú eres el jefe.You're the boss.This sentence shows how to tell someone they are the person in charge using jefe.Tatoeba #592447 by Leono, translation #440089 by CM
- Buenos días, señor Director. ¿Puede asistir a la reunión hoy?Good morning, Mr. Director. Can you attend the meeting today?
- ¿Qué tal, jefe? ¿Puede echarle un vistazo a este informe antes de enviarlo?How's it going, boss? Can you take a look at this report before sending it?
- 204 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking about work in a coffee shop.
- Sofía¿Dónde está tu jefe?Where is your boss?
- AlejandroMi jefe está en una reunión.My boss is in a meeting.
- SofíaEs un jefe muy estricto.He is a very strict boss.
- AlejandroSí, pero es un buen jefe.Yes, but he is a good boss.
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.
