Spanish · People & Family
"Boss" in Spanish: jefe / jefa
el jefe / la jefa
Boss in Spanish is el jefe or la jefa. Match gender: mi jefe, mi jefa. Some offices use a name instead of jefe.
How to pronounce jefe: audio and sound guideAt work
Mi jefe llega temprano.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce jefe / jefa
Say it
HEH-feh / HEH-fah
/ˈxe.fe/ /ˈxe.fa/
HEH-feh / HEH-fah. Soft j like English h. Stress HEH.
"Boss" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| el jefe | the boss (male) Male boss. | Male boss. |
| la jefa | the boss (female) Female boss. | Female boss. |
| mi jefe | my boss (male) Your male boss. | Your male boss. |
| mi jefa | my boss (female) Your female boss. | Your female boss. |
How to use jefe / jefa in real life
- 1At work
Mi jefe llega temprano.
My boss arrives early.
Mi jefe for a man.
- 2Asking permission
Debo hablar con mi jefa.
I need to talk to my boss.
Mi jefa for a woman.
- 3Team update
El jefe aprobó el plan.
The boss approved the plan.
El jefe in a work update.
Mistakes English speakers make with jefe / jefa
Incorrect: Ella es mi jefe.
Correct: Ella es mi jefa.
Use jefa for a woman. Jefe is masculine.
Incorrect: La jefe nuevo.
Correct: La jefa nueva. / El jefe nuevo.
Match gender on jefe/jefa and the adjective.
Good to know
Good to knowJefe and jefa are everyday workplace words in Latin America. Addressing someone as jefe face-to-face can sound blunt. Use a name if the office is formal.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Checking a deadline
ChatPal
¿Qué dijo tu jefe?
What did your boss say?
You
Mi jefe quiere el archivo hoy.
My boss wants the file today.
ChatPal
¿Y tu jefa del otro equipo?
And your boss from the other team?
You
Ella ya lo revisó.
She already reviewed it.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Boss" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Boss" in Spanish
How does gender work for boss?
Jefe for a man, jefa for a woman.
Is jefe polite face-to-face?
In formal offices, a name beats jefe.
What is the plural?
Los jefes, or las jefas for women.
How do you pronounce jefe?
HEH-feh. Jefa is HEH-fah. Soft j.
Use these words in a conversation
Find useful phrases for a situation, learn what to say back, and rehearse your part with revealable sample answers.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- 8 Sentences with Ser in Spanish: Examples and GrammarExplore 8 sentences with ser in spanish covering identity, origin, time, and materials, with translations, grammar tips, and mistakes to avoid.
- 33 in Spanish: How to Say It and Use It NaturallyLearn how to say 33 in Spanish with clear pronunciation, ordinal forms, regional variations, and real example sentences for confident everyday speaking.
