sếp
[sep̚˧˦]
The English word "boss" is translated into Vietnamese as sếp.
The term sếp is used to refer to a person in charge. The term sếp is used to address one's boss and is derived from the French word 'chef'.
Meaning: person in charge (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sếp is used for a direct supervisor or boss in a casual sense, lãnh đạo is a more formal term meaning 'leader'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word sếp is used in informal or colloquial workplace settings. The term anh translates to 'brother' and can be used when referring to your boss to create a friendly atmosphere.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the noun plural, you can add the word các before sếp.
Did you know?
- In some casual southern dialects, you might hear people use 'đại ca' to refer to a boss or a leader of a group, which has a 'big brother' or even slightly underworld connotation.
- Vietnamese speakers may combine kinship terms with the title, such as sếp anh or sếp chị, to balance professional respect with familial warmth.
- In some casual settings, younger employees might use sếp followed by a cute or diminutive suffix to express affection or closeness toward their manager.
Examples in context
- Tom là sếp của bạn.Tom is your boss.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's role as a sếp.Tatoeba #13909335 by leucammieuvu, translation #2273643 by CK
- Sếp tôi bắt tôi làm thêm giờ.My boss made me work overtime.This sentence illustrates a situation involving a sếp and overtime work.Tatoeba #13840978 by leucammieuvu, translation #268313 by CK
- Cậu luôn không đồng ý với sếp của cậu.You're always disagreeing with your boss.This sentence shows a common interaction of disagreeing with a sếp.Tatoeba #10257830 by hothuyhien, translation #70043 by CK
- Chị ấy là sếp của tôiShe is my boss
- Anh ấy là chủ cửa hàngHe is the boss of the store
- Ông ấy là ông chủ của tôiHe is my boss
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are talking in the office kitchen.
- HùngSếp của mình vừa mới đến văn phòng.My boss just arrived at the office.
- HươngVậy mình nên quay lại làm việc thôi.Then we should get back to work.
- HùngHương có biết sếp đang tìm mình không?Do you know if the boss is looking for me, Huong?
- HươngCó lẽ là có đấy, Hùng ơi.Maybe he is, Hung.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boss” translations and entries sếp, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
