French Conversation · Level 27
90 words
French word
patron
Pronunciation
IPA/patʁɔ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounboss
Example
Mon patron est très strict.
My boss is very strict.
More examples
Le patron a demandé un rapport pour demain.
The supervisor asked for a report for tomorrow.
Core concept
A person at the head of a group, directing its work and taking responsibility for it.
Common phrases
mon patron
my supervisor
le patron
the supervisor
Similar words
chef: A team leader who coordinates a small team or department and gives directions.
responsable: A person with final responsibility for a task or department.
supérieur: A person in a higher-ranking position within an organization.
employeur: A person who hires workers and pays their wages.
Definition in French
Personne qui, dans une entreprise ou un commerce, occupe une position d'autorité vis-à-vis d'autres employés et prend des décisions de gestion.
Word origin
French patron comes through Old French from Latin patronus, a protector or advocate formed from pater, and its meanings extended to employers, leaders, and supporters.
Usage tips
- In everyday workplace French, mon patron often means 'my boss'; mon supérieur or mon responsable is more neutral or formal.
Other meanings
- employernoun
- shopkeepernoun
- patternnoun
- sponsornoun
Opposites
- employéemployeenoun
- subordonnéunderlingnoun
Related words
- patronagepatronagenoun
- patronnersponsorverb