What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jefe
Example
El jefe de la empresa es muy exigente. [jefe: noun]
Example
Buenos días, jefe. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle? [jefe: noun]
boss
Example
My boss is always busy with meetings. [boss: noun]
Example
Hey boss, can I take a day off next week? [boss: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Boss is more commonly used than jefe in everyday English language. Boss is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while jefe is less common and refers specifically to a leader or manager in a Spanish-speaking work environment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jefe and boss?
While jefe is typically associated with a formal or respectful tone, boss is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.