jefe
“jefe” means “boss” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
boss, chief
Also: leader, manager
📝 In Action
Mi jefe es muy amable y comprensivo.
A2My boss is very kind and understanding.
Tengo una reunión con el jefe de departamento.
B1I have a meeting with the department head.
Ella es la jefa del equipo de marketing.
A2She is the head of the marketing team.
dad, chief
Also: boss
📝 In Action
Voy a pedirle dinero a mi jefe para salir esta noche.
B2I'm going to ask my dad for money to go out tonight.
¡Gracias por la ayuda, jefe!
B1Thanks for the help, boss!
¿A dónde lo llevo, jefe?
B1Where can I take you, chief?
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: jefe
Question 1 of 2
A taxi driver in Mexico says to you, 'Listo, jefe. Son cincuenta pesos.' What does 'jefe' mean here?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Borrowed from the French word 'chef', which means 'head'. French, in turn, got it from the Latin word 'caput', which also meant 'head'. So, your 'jefe' is literally the 'head' of the office!
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it respectful to call my actual boss 'jefe' to their face?
Generally, it's better not to. While it's not exactly disrespectful, it can sound a bit too informal or blunt in many workplaces. It's safer and more professional to use their name, usually with 'Señor'/'Señora' and the formal 'usted' form, unless they've told you otherwise.
I've heard people say 'jefecito' or 'jefecita'. What does that mean?
Adding '-ito' or '-ita' is a common way in Spanish to sound more affectionate or friendly. 'Jefecito' could be a fond way to talk about your dad ('my dear old dad') or a slightly more respectful, friendly way to address a man ('boss man'). 'Jefecita' is often used affectionately for one's mother.