empleador
/empleaˈdoɾ/masculine
The Spanish word for employer is empleador.
Empleador refers to a person or an entity that employs others.
Meaning: person or entity which employs others (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb emplear (to employ) and the suffix -dor, which denotes an agent or a person who performs an action.
Which one should you use?
While empleador is used in legal and formal contexts, the word patrón is a more common, colloquial term for a boss or employer in many Spanish-speaking regions.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru and Ecuador, patrón can be used interchangeably with jefe to refer to an employer in informal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is empleador. The feminine form is empleadora, and the plural form is empleadores.
How do you pronounce it?
/empleaˈdoɾ/
Did you know?
- The term patrón is also used in Spanish to refer to a pattern or a model, such as a sewing pattern, creating a linguistic link between a 'boss' and a 'template'.
- While empleador is a neutral term, the colloquial alternative patrón carries heavy historical weight in Latin America, often recalling the era of colonial land ownership and feudal estates.
- In some Caribbean and Central American contexts, patrón can be used as a term of respect or familiarity toward a business owner, even if the speaker is not their employee.
Examples in context
- Mi empleador es muy rico.My employer is very rich.This sentence uses empleador to describe a rich employer.Tatoeba #10024122 by manufrutos, translation #13313961 by araneo
- Su empleador estaba sinceramente agradecido por su cooperación.His employer was sincerely grateful for his cooperation.This sentence uses empleador to describe a grateful employer.Tatoeba #4692491 by DarkHollow, translation #240021 by CM
- Don Bluth es un legendario animador estadounidense que compitió con Disney, su antiguo empleador, durante las décadas de 1980 y 1990.Don Bluth is a legendary American animator who competed with Disney, his former employer, during the 1980s and 90s.This sentence uses empleador to describe a former employer.Tatoeba #10090959 by manufrutos, translation #10090203 by shekitten
- María trabaja para un empleador muy respetado en su campo.María works for a highly respected employer in her field.
- Los empleados siempre siguen las instrucciones del patrón.The employees always follow the instructions of the employer.
- Mi jefe es comprensivo y flexible.My employer/boss is understanding and flexible.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing their job contracts.
- DanielTengo que hablar con mi empleador sobre el sueldo.I have to talk to my employer about the salary.
- MaríaEs mejor enviar un correo electrónico primero.It is better to send an email first.
- DanielSí, pero mi empleador prefiere las reuniones personales.Yes, but my employer prefers face-to-face meetings.
- MaríaEntonces agenda una cita para mañana, Daniel.Then schedule an appointment for tomorrow, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “employer” translations and entries empleador, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
