jefa
/ˈxefa/
The Spanish term for woman boss is jefa.
jefa refers to a female person who is in charge of a business or other people at work. Colloquially, calling a woman la jefa can be used to show respect or to jokingly acknowledge her authority in a social setting.
Which one should you use?
Use jefe instead of jefa when referring to a male boss or when using the masculine form to represent a mixed-gender group of bosses.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, especially in Mexico, patrona is used to refer to a female boss.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of jefa is jefas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxefa/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, a wife or mother might be affectionately called la jefa by her family members, signaling her status as the real authority in the household.
- While jefa is common for a manager, patrona can imply a feudal level of absolute command or ownership of the land.
- If you are shopping at a small stall in the Caribbean, you might hear a vendor addressed as jefa, using the word as a friendly, slangy way to say 'boss' or 'lady'.
Examples in context
- La jefa de marketing nos dio instrucciones claras.The marketing boss gave us clear instructions.
- ¡La jefaza es la más eficiente de toda la empresa!The big boss lady is the most efficient in the entire company!
- La patrona de la tienda es una mujer muy trabajadora.The woman boss of the store is a hardworking person.
- Mi jefa es muy inteligente.My boss is very intelligent.
- Ella es la jefa de este departamento.She is the boss of this department.
- Necesito hablar con mi jefa ahora mismo.I need to speak with my boss right now.
Example conversation
Alejandro is asking Elena about her supervisor at the office.
- Alejandro¿Cómo es tu nueva jefa?What is your new boss like?
- ElenaElla es muy estricta pero justa.She is very strict but fair.
- AlejandroQué bueno que sea una buena jefa.It is good that she is a good boss.
- ElenaSí, me gusta trabajar con ella.Yes, I like working with her.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry jefa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
