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jefatura

heh-fah-TOO-rah/xefaˈtuɾa/

“jefatura” means “leadership” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

leadership

Also: headship, management
NounfB1
A person at the front of a line, leading others up a gentle green hill.

📝 In Action

Ella asumió la jefatura del departamento el mes pasado.

B1

She took over the leadership of the department last month.

Bajo su jefatura, la empresa creció mucho.

B1

Under his leadership, the company grew a lot.

La jefatura decidió cambiar el horario de trabajo.

B2

The management decided to change the work schedule.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mando (command/authority)
  • dirección (direction/management)
  • liderazgo (leadership)

Antonyms

  • subordinación (subordination)

Common Collocations

  • jefatura de estado – head of state
  • asumir la jefatura – to take over the leadership

headquarters

Also: station, main office
NounfB1
Spain
A large, impressive building with a grand entrance and a flag, standing in a town square.

📝 In Action

Tienes que ir a la jefatura de policía para denunciar el robo.

A2

You have to go to the police headquarters to report the robbery.

La jefatura de tráfico está en el centro de la ciudad.

B1

The traffic department headquarters is in the city center.

Nos reunimos en la jefatura de ventas a las diez.

B1

We are meeting at the sales headquarters at ten.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • cuartel (barracks/headquarters)
  • oficina central (head office)
  • sede (headquarters/seat)

Common Collocations

  • jefatura de policía – police headquarters
  • jefatura de tráfico – traffic department

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: jefatura

Question 1 of 3

Which of these refers to the actual building where police work?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
jefe(boss (male)) — Noun
jefa(boss (female)) — Noun
subjefe(deputy boss) — Noun
jefazo(big boss (informal)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from 'jefe', which comes from the Old French 'chef' (head), ultimately from the Latin 'caput' meaning 'head'. The ending '-atura' was added to denote a position or office.

First recorded: 18th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: chefEnglish: chief

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'jefatura' the same as 'liderazgo'?

Not exactly. 'Liderazgo' is the personal quality of being a leader (leadership skills), while 'jefatura' is the official job title or the office you hold.

Can I use 'jefatura' for a small team?

It sounds a bit formal. For a small team, you might just say 'estar a cargo' (to be in charge). 'Jefatura' is better for departments or organizations.

Does 'jefatura' always mean a building?

No, it can mean the physical building OR the abstract concept of being the boss. Context tells you which is which!