How to Say "bossy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “bossy” is “autoritario” — use 'autoritario' to describe someone who acts like a strict authority figure and frequently gives orders, often without considering others' opinions..
autoritario
/ow-toh-ree-TAH-ryoh//au.to.ɾi.ˈta.ɾjo/
Examples
Mi jefe es muy autoritario y nunca acepta sugerencias.
My boss is very authoritarian and never accepts suggestions.
Muchos ciudadanos protestaron contra el gobierno autoritario.
Many citizens protested against the authoritarian government.
No seas tan autoritaria con tus hermanos menores.
Don't be so bossy with your younger siblings.
Matching Gender and Number
This word must match the person or thing you are describing. Use 'autoritario' for a man or a masculine thing (un jefe), 'autoritaria' for a woman or feminine thing (una jefa), and add an -s for plurals.
Word Order
In Spanish, we usually put this word after the person or thing we are describing, like saying 'the government authoritarian' instead of 'the authoritarian government'.
Don't forget the 'i'
Mistake: “autortario”
Correction: autoritario
Bossy vs. Authoritarian
Mistake: “Calling a toddler 'autoritario' in a cute way.”
Correction: Use 'mandón' for a child being bossy; 'autoritario' sounds much more serious and harsh.
controlador
/kon-tro-la-DOR//kontɾolaˈðoɾ/
Examples
Mi exnovio era muy controlador y no me dejaba salir sola.
My ex-boyfriend was very controlling and wouldn't let me go out alone.
No seas tan controladora con tus amigos.
Don't be so bossy with your friends.
Tiene una personalidad controladora en el trabajo.
He has a controlling personality at work.
Gender Changes
This word changes to 'controladora' when describing a woman or a feminine object.
Using with Ser vs. Estar
Use 'ser' if it's a personality trait (he is a controlling person) and 'estar' if they are acting controlling just in this moment.
Forget the 'a' for women
Mistake: “Ella es muy controlador.”
Correction: Ella es muy controladora. (You must change the ending for women.)
tirano
/tee-RAH-noh//tiˈɾano/
Examples
Es un jefe tirano que nunca escucha a sus empleados.
He is a tyrannical boss who never listens to his employees.
A veces mi hermano mayor se pone un poco tirano conmigo.
Sometimes my older brother gets a bit bossy with me.
No soporto sus actitudes tiranas en el grupo de trabajo.
I can't stand her tyrannical attitudes in the work group.
Adjective Agreement
Remember that if you are describing a woman or a feminine object, the word must change to 'tirana'. For example: 'una jefa tirana'.
Autoritario vs. Controlador
Related Translations
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