patrón
“patrón” means “boss” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
boss, owner
Also: employer, master
📝 In Action
Mi patrón es muy estricto con la hora de llegada.
A1My boss is very strict about the arrival time.
El patrón de la fábrica dio una bonificación a todos los empleados.
A2The owner of the factory gave a bonus to all the employees.
pattern
Also: model, template
📝 In Action
El vestido tiene un patrón floral muy bonito.
A2The dress has a very beautiful floral pattern.
Los científicos buscan un patrón en los datos para entender el fenómeno.
B1The scientists are looking for a pattern in the data to understand the phenomenon.
patron saint, skipper
Also: protector
📝 In Action
San Jorge es el patrón de Cataluña.
B2Saint George is the patron saint of Catalonia.
El patrón del yate nos enseñó a izar la vela.
C1The skipper of the yacht taught us how to raise the sail.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: patrón
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'patrón' in the sense of a repeatable design or structure?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Latin word 'patronus,' which meant 'protector,' 'defender,' or 'advocate.' It is based on 'pater,' meaning 'father,' linking the idea of a boss or protector to a father figure.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'patrón' and the English word 'patron'?
While they share the same origin, the Spanish 'patrón' is most commonly used for 'boss' or 'pattern.' The English 'patron' (meaning a supporter of the arts or a regular customer) is usually translated in Spanish as 'mecenas' or 'cliente habitual'.
How do I know if 'patrón' means a person or a pattern?
Look at the words around it. If you see verbs related to managing, hiring, or talking about salary (like 'pagar,' 'contratar'), it means 'boss.' If you see words related to design, mathematics, or behavior ('diseño,' 'secuencia,' 'encontrar'), it means 'pattern'.