Inklingo
← Dictionary

jefes

HEH-fehsˈxefes

bosses

Also: superiors, managers
NounmA1
An illustration showing two professional managers, a man and a woman, wearing business attire, standing at the head of a long conference table reviewing documents.

📝 In Action

Mis jefes me dieron un aumento de sueldo.

A2

My bosses gave me a salary raise.

Los jefes están en una reunión importante todo el día.

A1

The managers are in an important meeting all day.

Siempre hay que saludar a los jefes cuando llegas.

B1

You always have to greet the bosses when you arrive.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • supervisores (supervisors)
  • directivos (directors)

Antonyms

  • empleados (employees)
  • subordinados (subordinates)

Common Collocations

  • jefes de departamento – department heads
  • los altos jefes – the senior management

chiefs

Also: commanders, heads
NounmB1
A storybook illustration showing three tribal leaders wearing simple, authoritative garments standing on a high point, pointing toward the horizon as they command their group.

📝 In Action

Los jefes tribales firmaron el acuerdo de paz.

B2

The tribal chiefs signed the peace agreement.

Varios jefes militares asistieron a la ceremonia.

B1

Several military commanders attended the ceremony.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • líderes (leaders)
  • cabecillas (ringleaders (often negative context))

Common Collocations

  • jefes de estado – heads of state
  • jefes de la oposición – leaders of the opposition

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "jefes" in Spanish:

bosses→chiefs→commanders→heads→managers→superiors→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: jefes

Question 1 of 2

If you are talking about three female managers and two male managers, how do you correctly refer to the entire group?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
brevesnueves
📚 Etymology▼

The word 'jefe' comes from the Old French word 'chef', meaning 'head' or 'leader'. This French word ultimately derives from the Latin word 'caput', which also means 'head'. Spanish borrowed the word and adapted the pronunciation to start with the 'j' sound (like an English 'h').

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: chefItalian: capo

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'jefes' considered formal or informal?

'Jefes' is generally neutral. It is perfectly acceptable in formal work environments, but it can also be used casually. It is much more common than using the more technical term 'superiores'.

What is the difference between 'jefes' and 'jefas'?

'Jefes' (masculine plural) is used for a group of men, or a mixed group of men and women. 'Jefas' (feminine plural) is used only when every single person in the group is female.