How to Say "superiors" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “superiors” is “jefes” — use 'jefes' when referring specifically to your direct bosses or managers in a workplace setting.
Use 'jefes' when referring specifically to your direct bosses or managers in a workplace setting.
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Use 'superiores' in a more formal or general context to refer to people in higher positions or authority, especially in organizations or hierarchies.
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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.
Learn more →HEH-fehsˈxefes
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).
soo-peh-ree-OH-rehssupeˈɾjoɾes
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'.
mah-YOH-rehsmaˈʝoɾes
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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