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jefe

jefe

9 8.6
A friendly word people use to call a man they respect
  • noun
  • /ˈheɪfeɪ/
  • Informal
translation icon : jefe
  • See you, jefe.
  • Yes, jefe
  • got it, jefe

Examples

Synonyms

sir
vsjefe
  • Formal
1.0

A respectful way to speak to an adult man you do not know

is informal and familiar rather than strictly formal
fellow
vsjefe
  • Informal
333 1.4

A man or boy you speak to in a friendly way

is more likely to show both friendliness and respectful regard
Monsieur
vsjefe
  • Formal
196 7.8

A French title of respect for a man, like Mr in English

is informal and shows friendly respect rather than ceremonial formality
dude
vsjefe
  • Informal
185 8.0

A casual word for a man

keeps casual tone but often carries more respect or deference
junior
vsjefe
  • Informal
168 3.4

A younger, less experienced person often called in a rude way

is not patronizing and combines friendliness with respectful tone
senor
vsjefe
51 6.9

A Spanish title used before a man's name to show respect, like Mr

is more colloquial and adds friendly respect rather than formality
señor
vsjefe
41 6.3

A polite word used before a man's name, like Mr

is less formal and used in friendly, familiar speech
bubba
vsjefe
  • Slang
28 9.3

A casual way to call a man, either friendly or rude

is consistently friendly or respectfully familiar rather than confrontational
signore
vsjefe
11 9.4

A polite Italian word to call a man, like sir

is friendlier and less ceremonious while still showing respect
heynim
vsjefe
11 9.9

A polite word used in Korea to address an older person and show respect

is more casual and friendly rather than formally deferential
guv
vsjefe
  • UK
7 9.9

A friendly informal way to address a man to show respect

is similarly friendly but mixes respect with closer familiarity
bucko
vsjefe
  • Archaic
3 8.8

A friendly, informal name used for a man you know well

adds a touch of respect alongside casual friendliness
chee
vsjefe
  • Informal
1 9.9

A friendly way to call someone you like

is similar but leans more toward respectful friendliness than affection
chico
vsjefe
  • Informal
1 8.4

A man or boy you call in a friendly way

is equally informal but more likely used with respect
sarkar
vsjefe
  • Indian
9.9

A respectful word used to address someone in authority

is less formal and combines respect with familiar friendliness
sayyid
vsjefe
9.8

A respectful Arabic word used to politely address a man like sir

is more casual while still showing respectful intent

How Respectful

sir
  • Formal
1.0
chief
1.9
boss
1.0
jefe
  • Informal
9 8.6
buddy
  • Informal
1.0

Surface Forms

jefe singular
jefes plural

Etymology

Jefe is a friendly way to say 'boss' and comes from the same idea of 'head' as English chief. A helpful way to remember it is to think of calling a friend 'chief' or 'boss' as a sign of respect, which is exactly how jefe is used.