jefa
/HEH-fah/
boss
The word "jefa" means "boss" or "manager."
jefa(Noun)
boss
?manager or supervisor
,chief
?head of a department or group
supervisor
?professional hierarchy
,director
?leadership role
📝 In Action
Mi jefa me pidió que terminara el informe antes del almuerzo.
A2My boss asked me to finish the report before lunch.
La jefa de ventas está en una reunión importante.
B1The head of sales is in an important meeting.
¿Puedo hablar con la jefa, por favor?
A2May I speak with the manager, please?
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Match
Since 'jefa' is a feminine noun, you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la jefa,' 'mi buena jefa').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Gender
Mistake: "Using 'el jefa' instead of 'la jefa'."
Correction: Remember the word ends in '-a' and refers to a woman, so it is always 'la jefa'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Professional Tone
While 'jefa' is common, in very formal written correspondence, 'directora' or 'gerente' might be preferred, depending on the role.
"Jefa" can also refer to the "head of the household" or the main decision-maker in a family.
jefa(Noun)
head of the household
?the main decision-maker in a family
,matriarch
?respected female elder
the person in charge
?general context, usually playful or respectful
📝 In Action
Mi abuela es la jefa de la familia; nadie le lleva la contraria.
B1My grandmother is the head of the family; nobody contradicts her.
Le pregunté a mi madre, porque ella es la jefa aquí.
B2I asked my mother, because she's the boss here (in the house).
💡 Grammar Points
Respectful Use
Using 'jefa' in a family context often implies great respect for the person's authority and wisdom, similar to 'matriarch'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Matters
When referring to a family member, use an affectionate tone to ensure it sounds respectful and not demanding.
In some contexts, "jefa" is used informally to mean "girlfriend" or "romantic partner."
📝 In Action
¿Vas a ir al cine con tu jefa esta noche?
C1Are you going to the movies with your girlfriend tonight? (Mexico/Slang)
Le tengo que avisar a la jefa que llegaré tarde.
C2I have to let the wife know I'll be late. (Slang)
💡 Grammar Points
Context is Key
This slang meaning relies heavily on context. If someone is talking about their personal life, 'jefa' likely means partner or wife, not manager.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Slang Universally
Mistake: "Using 'jefa' to mean 'girlfriend' in Spain or Argentina."
Correction: This usage is highly regional (especially Mexican). Stick to 'novia' or 'pareja' in other countries to avoid confusion.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: jefa
Question 1 of 2
Which translation of 'jefa' is MOST likely to be used in a professional office setting?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'jefa' and 'jefe'?
'Jefa' is the feminine form, used when referring to a woman in charge. 'Jefe' is the masculine form, used for a man in charge. They mean the exact same thing (boss/chief), only the gender changes.
Is 'jefa' rude or disrespectful?
No, it is a completely neutral and standard word for 'boss' or 'manager.' However, the way you use it in informal settings (like calling your wife 'la jefa') can be playful, implying she is the one who makes the rules.