Inklingo

How to Say "superiors" in Spanish

English → Spanish

jefes

HEH-fehs/ˈxefes/

nounA1Informal/Formal
Use 'jefes' when referring specifically to your direct bosses or managers in a workplace setting.
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.

Examples

Mi jefe me pidió que terminara el informe hoy.

My boss asked me to finish the report today.

Mis jefes me dieron un aumento de sueldo.

My bosses gave me a salary raise.

Los jefes están en una reunión importante todo el día.

The managers are in an important meeting all day.

Siempre hay que saludar a los jefes cuando llegas.

You always have to greet the bosses when you arrive.

Gender Rule for Groups

Even if the group of bosses includes women (jefas) and men (jefes), Spanish defaults to the masculine plural form ('los jefes') to refer to the whole group.

Confusing Singular and Plural

Mistake: “Using 'jefe' when referring to multiple people.”

Correction: Remember to add the '-s' for plural: 'Los jefes son estrictos' (The bosses are strict).

superiores

soo-peh-ree-OH-rehs/supeˈɾjoɾes/

nounB2Formal
Use 'superiores' in a more formal or general context to refer to people in higher positions or authority, especially in organizations or hierarchies.
A central, stylized figure holding a clipboard and wearing a distinct uniform, giving directions to two smaller figures who are listening intently.

Examples

Los empleados deben respetar las decisiones de sus superiores.

Employees must respect the decisions of their superiors.

Debemos informar a nuestros superiores sobre el cambio de planes.

We must inform our superiors (bosses/higher-ups) about the change in plans.

Los superiores del monasterio tomaron la decisión final.

The superiors of the monastery made the final decision.

Ella siempre obedece a sus superiores en el trabajo.

She always obeys her bosses at work.

The Noun Form

When used as a noun, 'superiores' acts like 'the bosses' or 'the higher-ups,' meaning it refers directly to people, often preceded by 'los' or 'mis/tus'.

mayores

mah-YOH-rehs/maˈʝoɾes/

nounA2General/Informal
Use 'mayores' to refer to elders, parents, or people in positions of authority due to age or seniority, often in a familial or community context.
A group of three senior citizens with kind faces sitting together on a park bench, illustrating the concept of elders.

Examples

Los jóvenes deben cuidar de sus mayores.

Young people must take care of their elders.

Debemos escuchar los consejos de nuestros mayores.

We must listen to the advice of our elders (or parents/superiors).

La entrada al museo es gratuita para los mayores.

Museum entry is free for seniors.

El club organiza actividades solo para mayores de edad.

The club organizes activities only for adults (people of legal age).

Adjective acting as Noun

When you put the article 'los' or 'las' in front of 'mayores', it automatically turns the adjective into a noun meaning 'the older people' or 'the seniors'.

Jefes vs. Superiores

The most common mistake is using 'superiores' when you mean your direct boss. While 'superiores' can include bosses, it's a broader term for higher-ups. 'Jefes' specifically refers to your manager or the person you report to at work.

Related Translations

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