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How to Say "supervisor" in Spanish

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jefa

HEH-fah/'xefa/

nounA2professional hierarchy
Use 'jefa' when referring to a female boss or manager in a professional hierarchy, especially if the position is one of authority over others.
A woman in professional attire sitting behind a large, clean executive desk, looking confident and authoritative, symbolizing a manager.

Examples

Mi jefa me pidió que terminara el informe antes del almuerzo.

My boss asked me to finish the report before lunch.

La jefa de ventas está en una reunión importante.

The head of sales is in an important meeting.

¿Puedo hablar con la jefa, por favor?

May I speak with the manager, please?

Gender Match

Since 'jefa' is a feminine noun, you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., 'la jefa,' 'mi buena jefa').

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “Using 'el jefa' instead of 'la jefa'.”

Correction: Remember the word ends in '-a' and refers to a woman, so it is always 'la jefa'.

supervisor

soo-pehr-vee-SOHR/supeɾβiˈsoɾ/

nounB1person in charge of a team
Use 'supervisor' for someone who directly oversees a team or project, often providing guidance and feedback on their work.
A central figure, depicted as a supervisor, standing slightly elevated and pointing clearly at a task on a table where three team members are actively working on a project.

Examples

Mi supervisor me dio una retroalimentación positiva sobre el proyecto.

My supervisor gave me positive feedback on the project.

Necesitas la aprobación del supervisor para tomar vacaciones.

You need the supervisor's approval to take vacation time.

El supervisor de la obra visitó el sitio esta mañana.

The construction site supervisor visited the site this morning.

Gender Change for People

When referring to a woman in this role, the word changes to the feminine form: 'la supervisora'. Always match the ending to the person's gender.

Confusing Roles

Mistake: “Usando 'jefe' cuando realmente es un 'supervisor'.”

Correction: While 'jefe' (boss) is general, 'supervisor' implies a specific role overseeing daily tasks. Use 'supervisor' for clarity in a hierarchy.

encargado

en-car-GAH-doh/eŋkaɾˈɣaðo/

nounA2in a retail setting
Use 'encargado' for the person in charge of a specific area or task, particularly common in retail or smaller operational settings like a stockroom.
A smiling person wearing a blue vest and holding a clipboard, standing in front of a neatly organized shelf section in a store, symbolizing a manager.

Examples

El encargado del almacén revisó el inventario.

The warehouse manager checked the inventory.

¿Podría hablar con el encargado de servicio al cliente?

Could I speak with the person in charge of customer service?

Mi hermano es el encargado de mantenimiento de ese edificio.

My brother is the maintenance supervisor for that building.

Gender Agreement

This word changes based on gender: 'el encargado' (male manager) and 'la encargada' (female manager).

Choosing Between 'Jefa' and 'Supervisor'

Learners often confuse 'jefa' and 'supervisor'. Remember that 'jefa' is specifically for a female boss in a general hierarchical sense, while 'supervisor' refers more to the direct oversight of tasks or a team's work, regardless of gender.

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