mi jefe
/mi xefe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "my boss" is translated into Spanish as mi jefe.
The term mi jefe is a way to say "my boss," referring to the person in charge of a worker at their job.
Which one should you use?
The masculine form mi jefe is used when referring to a male boss or when used as a generic term for a boss of unknown or mixed gender.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, mi gerente can be used to refer to a boss who holds a managerial position.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, both the possessive adjective and the noun must be pluralized, resulting in mis jefes (my bosses).
How do you pronounce it?
/mi xefe/
Did you know?
- In certain Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone jefe is a common way to address a stranger, such as a taxi driver or a shopkeeper, as a way of being friendly and respectful.
- The word jefe has a surprising cousin in English: the word 'chef'. Although one refers to a boss and the other to a cook, they both trace back to the same root for 'head'.
- While mi jefe is standard, some regions use el patrón to refer to the boss, a word that carries a stronger historical connotation of land ownership and social hierarchy.
Examples in context
- Él es mi jefe.He is my boss.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as your boss using mi jefe.Tatoeba #1190129 by marcelostockle, translation #297905 by CK
- Odio a mi jefe.I hate my boss.This sentence is useful for expressing a feeling toward your boss using mi jefe.Tatoeba #4385011 by hayastan, translation #4384890 by Hybrid
- Mi jefe es un inepto.My boss is inept.This sentence is useful for describing a quality of your boss using mi jefe.Tatoeba #5026086 by don_ramon, translation #12188705 by Miktsoanit
- Hoy tuve una reunión con mi jefe.Today, I had a meeting with my boss.
- Necesito hablar con mi superior sobre este asunto.I need to talk to my superior about this matter.
- Mi patrona me dio el día libre.My boss gave me the day off.
- Mi gerente está muy satisfecho con mi desempeño.My manager is very satisfied with my performance.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about work during lunch.
- Daniel¿Cómo está tu jefe?How is your boss?
- LucíaMi jefe está muy ocupado hoy.My boss is very busy today.
- DanielEs normal con este proyecto.It is normal with this project.
- LucíaSí, él tiene mucho trabajo.Yes, he has a lot of work.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jefe, mi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
