el jefe
/el xefe/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'top guy' can be translated into Spanish as el jefe.
el jefe is used to describe a person who is the leader or the boss of an organization. This term can refer to a formal superior within a company or a more informal leader of a group.
Which one should you use?
You can use the form jefazo to specifically denote a 'big boss' or 'great boss', which is often used colloquially.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, addressing someone as jefe can be used as a friendly, informal way to address a stranger, such as a taxi driver or a shopkeeper.
- The word jefe shares the same Latin ancestor as the English word 'chef' and the Spanish word cabo. All three derive from caput, meaning 'head'.
- In some Latin American cultures, calling someone el jefe is used as a respectful term for a father or the patriarch of a family, regardless of their professional status.
Examples in context
- Mi amigo Juan es el tío más bacán del grupoMy friend Juan is the coolest dude in the group
- Raúl es el tío más bacán de todos, siempre está dispuesto a ayudarRaúl is the coolest dude of all, always ready to help
- Pedro es el chico estrella de nuestra banda de músicaPedro is the star guy of our music band
- Nacho es el chico estrella del equipo de fútbol, todos quieren ser como élNacho is the star guy of the soccer team, everyone wants to be like him
- Él es el jefe de la empresa.He is the boss of the company.
- Necesito hablar con el jefe directamente.I need to speak with the boss directly.
- El jefe aprobó el nuevo proyecto.The boss approved the new project.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing a workplace issue.
- Alejandro¿Sabes quién es el jefe aquí?Do you know who the boss is here?
- SofíaSí, es un hombre muy estricto.Yes, he is a very strict man.
- AlejandroTengo que presentarle mi informe al jefe.I have to present my report to the boss.
- SofíaBuena suerte con él, Alejandro.Good luck with him, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, jefe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
