¿Quién es el jefe?
The English phrase "who is the boss?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Quién es el jefe?
This phrase is used to ask which person is in charge of a group or organization. It can be used literally in a workplace context or figuratively to ask who is making the decisions in a social group.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quién (who), es (is) and el jefe (the boss).
Which one should you use?
¿Quién es el jefe? asks for a person's identity or specific title, whereas ¿Quién manda aquí? is a more idiomatic way to ask who holds the actual power or authority in a specific situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person in charge is female, you must change the masculine noun el jefe to the feminine la jefa in the phrase ¿Quién es la jefa?
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the term el jefe is used as a respectful or affectionate nickname for one's father.
- The word jefe is a linguistic relative of the English word 'chief' and the word 'chef', as all three originate from the Latin word caput meaning 'head'.
- In some Spanish-speaking business cultures, calling someone 'jefe' can be used as a casual, almost affectionate way to address a friend or a peer, rather than just a literal superior.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, es, jefe, quién, CC BY-SA 4.0.
