Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun #6,500 am häufigsten 8 Min. Lesezeit

patroa

Top 6,500

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps patroa in 30 Sekunden

Erklärung patroa in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'patroa' as a simple noun meaning 'female boss'. It is the feminine version of 'patrão'. You will mostly see it in basic sentences identifying people's roles. For example, 'Ela é a patroa' (She is the boss). Focus on the 'a' ending which marks it as feminine. You might hear it in very simple stories about people working in a house or a small shop. It is a good word to practice basic gender agreement with articles like 'a' and 'uma'. Don't worry about the slang meanings yet; just focus on the literal meaning of a woman who employs others.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the A2 level, you can start using 'patroa' in more descriptive sentences. You should be able to talk about what the 'patroa' does or how she is. For example, 'A patroa é muito exigente' (The boss is very demanding) or 'Minha patroa viajou para o Brasil'. You will encounter this word in contexts related to work and daily routines. It's important at this level to distinguish between 'patroa' and 'chefe'. Remember that 'patroa' is often used for the owner of a small business or a household employer. You should also be able to form plurals: 'As patroas estão em uma reunião'.

At the B1 level, you should understand the social implications of the word 'patroa'. You will hear it in conversations about work-life balance and domestic labor. You should be comfortable using it in various tenses, such as 'Eu falei com a patroa ontem' (Preterite) or 'Se a patroa permitir, eu sairei cedo' (Future Subjunctive). You might also start noticing its informal use to mean 'wife' in Brazilian Portuguese, though you should use it cautiously. You can use it to describe more complex professional relationships and understand it when it appears in news articles about employment or small businesses.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the B2 level, you should be aware of the cultural weight of 'patroa', especially in Brazil. This includes the 'Patroa' movement in music (Sertanejo), which reclaimed the word as a symbol of female empowerment and financial independence. You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'patroa', 'empregadora', and 'gestora'. You will see this word in literature and more complex media where it might be used to highlight power dynamics. You should also understand idiomatic expressions and be able to use the word fluently in debates about the workplace or social structures.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C1 level, you should have a deep understanding of the historical and sociological context of 'patroa'. This includes its roots in the colonial history of domestic service in Lusophone countries and how that affects its modern usage. You should be able to analyze how the word is used in different registers—from the very formal legal context of 'empregadora' to the slang of Brazilian 'funk'. You can use the word to express subtle irony or to discuss complex gender roles in Portuguese-speaking societies. You should be able to recognize the word in all its regional variations and stylistic uses.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

At the C2 level, you should master the word 'patroa' in all its dimensions. You can use it with native-like precision, choosing it over 'chefe' or 'dona' to convey specific social nuances or to evoke certain cultural archetypes. You are familiar with its use in high literature, academic discussions on sociology, and the most current pop culture trends. You understand the subtle shift in meaning when the article is omitted or when it's used in specific rhythmic patterns in poetry or music. Your command of the word allows you to navigate any social situation in the Portuguese-speaking world with total confidence.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

patroa in 30 Sekunden

Patroa means a female boss or employer, commonly used in domestic and small business contexts in Portuguese-speaking countries.
It is the feminine equivalent of 'patrão' and always requires feminine grammatical agreement with articles and adjectives.
In Brazil, it is a popular slang term for an empowered woman or a humorous way to refer to one's wife.
While common, it is often replaced by 'chefe' or 'diretora' in formal corporate environments for a more professional tone.

The Portuguese word patroa is a feminine noun that primarily translates to 'employer' or 'female boss'. However, its usage is deeply woven into the social fabric of Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, carrying various nuances depending on the context. At its core, it refers to a woman who holds a position of authority over employees, but it is most frequently used in the context of domestic employment or small businesses. When a domestic worker refers to the lady of the house, she calls her the patroa. This usage carries historical weight, reflecting the long-standing structures of household labor in the Lusophone world. Beyond the professional sphere, the word has undergone a significant cultural transformation in recent years, especially within Brazil. In contemporary slang and pop culture, patroa has become a term of empowerment. It is used to describe a woman who is in control of her life, successful, and independent. This shift was famously amplified by Brazilian music icons like Anitta and Marília Mendonça, who used the term to represent female strength and leadership in the music industry. Furthermore, in informal settings, a man might refer to his wife or partner as a patroa, often in a half-joking, half-respectful way to imply she is the one who 'calls the shots' at home. Understanding patroa requires recognizing these layers: the professional employer, the domestic authority, the empowered woman, and the household partner.

Professional Context: A woman who owns a company or manages a team of workers.

Domestic Context: The female head of a household who employs domestic staff like cleaners or cooks.

Slang Context: An empowered, successful woman or a humorous reference to one's wife.

A patroa chegou cedo para a reunião hoje.

Ela é a verdadeira patroa daquela empresa de tecnologia.

Vou perguntar para a patroa se posso sair mais cedo.

Aquela cantora é a patroa do funk brasileiro.

Minha patroa é muito exigente com a limpeza.

Using patroa correctly involves understanding gender agreement and the specific social setting. As a feminine noun, it must always be accompanied by feminine articles (a, uma) and adjectives (exigente, bondosa, nova). In a sentence like 'A patroa está ocupada', the speaker is identifying a specific female boss who is currently busy. If you are referring to your own boss, you would use the possessive: 'Minha patroa viajou'. It is important to note that while 'patroa' is widely used, it can sound somewhat traditional or even slightly antiquated in modern corporate environments, where 'chefe' (boss) or 'gestora' (manager) is preferred. However, if you are working in a shop, a restaurant, or a private home, 'patroa' is perfectly standard. In Brazil, you might hear a husband say, 'Tenho que ver com a patroa primeiro', meaning he needs to check with his wife. This is informal and colloquial. In terms of sentence structure, 'patroa' usually acts as the subject or the object of the verb. For example, 'Eu entreguei o relatório para a patroa' (I delivered the report to the boss). When using it as a title, it can sometimes be used directly as a vocative: 'Patroa, pode vir aqui um momento?' (Boss, can you come here a moment?), although this is quite informal and often replaced by 'Dona [Name]' in more respectful domestic settings. Let's look at more examples to see how it fits into different grammatical structures.

As a Subject: A patroa decidiu contratar mais funcionários para a loja.

With Adjectives: Nós temos uma patroa muito compreensiva e justa.

In Slang/Informal Usage: Hoje é dia de sair com a patroa e comemorar o aniversário dela.

A nova patroa é muito rigorosa com os horários de entrada.

Você já falou com a patroa sobre o seu aumento salarial?

The word patroa is omnipresent in Lusophone daily life, but the locations where you hear it most frequently reveal a lot about the culture. In Brazil, one of the most common places to hear it is in private households. Brazil has a large domestic labor force, and workers often refer to the woman who employs them as 'a patroa'. This can be a term of simple identification or, depending on the tone, can carry connotations of the power dynamic between the employer and employee. You will also hear it in small business environments, such as bakeries (padarias), hair salons, or local grocery stores, where the owner is a woman. In these settings, the employees and even regular customers might refer to her as 'a patroa'. In the world of entertainment, especially in Brazilian music genres like Sertanejo and Funk, patroa is a buzzword for female dominance. The late singer Marília Mendonça and the duo Maiara & Maraisa even had a massive project called 'As Patroas', which celebrated women's success in a male-dominated industry. On the streets, you might hear a man talking to a friend about his wife, saying 'A patroa não deixou eu vir ontem' (The boss/wife didn't let me come yesterday). While this usage is common, it's worth noting that some find it slightly sexist or old-fashioned. In Portugal, the word is also common but tends to stay more within the literal meaning of 'employer' or 'landlady'. You might hear it in a traditional market or a small workshop. Regardless of where you are, hearing patroa usually signals a discussion about authority, employment, or household management.

In the Home: Used by domestic staff to refer to the female head of the house.

In Pop Culture: Used in songs and social media to describe a powerful, 'boss' woman.

In Small Business: A common way to refer to a female shop owner or manager.

A patroa está na loja hoje?

Aquela mulher é a patroa de toda a vizinhança.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with patroa is using it in the wrong professional level. While it means 'boss', using it in a high-level corporate environment (like a multinational bank or a law firm) can sound unprofessional or overly colloquial. In those settings, 'chefe', 'diretora', 'gestora', or 'superiora' are much better choices. Another common error is gender confusion. Because many Portuguese words for professions are neutral (like 'gerente' or 'cliente'), learners sometimes try to use 'o patroa' or 'a patrão', which are both incorrect. It is strictly 'o patrão' for a man and 'a patroa' for a woman. Furthermore, learners often miss the cultural nuance of using 'patroa' for a wife. If you hear a Brazilian man say 'Vou falar com a patroa', he isn't necessarily talking about his employer; he is likely talking about his wife. However, as an English speaker, you should be cautious about using this yourself until you are very comfortable with the social dynamics, as it can sometimes come across as slightly disrespectful or stereotypical if used by an outsider. Lastly, avoid confusing 'patroa' with 'patrona'. While they sound similar, 'patrona' usually refers to a patron of the arts or a female patron saint, which is a much more formal and specific term. Stick to 'patroa' for bosses and employers.

Wrong Formality: Using 'patroa' in a formal board meeting instead of 'Diretora'.

Gender Mismatch: Saying 'o patroa' instead of 'a patroa'.

Confusing with 'Patrona': Using 'patrona' when you simply mean a female employer.

Errado: O patroa chamou o funcionário.

Correto: A patroa chamou o funcionário.

If you find patroa doesn't quite fit the situation, there are several alternatives in Portuguese. The most common is chefe. Unlike 'patroa', 'chefe' is gender-neutral (though you use 'a chefe' for a woman and 'o chefe' for a man) and is the standard word for 'boss' in almost any professional environment. If you want to sound more corporate or administrative, superiora (female superior) or gestora (manager) are excellent choices. In a domestic setting, if 'patroa' sounds too much like an employer-employee relationship and you want to be more respectful, you might use Dona followed by the woman's name (e.g., 'Dona Maria'). For someone who owns a business, proprietária or dona (owner) are very common. In the context of leadership, líder is a modern, positive alternative. If you are using 'patroa' in the sense of 'wife', alternatives include esposa (formal), mulher (common), or companheira (partner). Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate the social hierarchy and level of formality required in different Portuguese-speaking cultures. For instance, while you might call your female boss 'patroa' in a small workshop in Porto, you would almost certainly call her 'chefe' or 'diretora' in a modern office in Lisbon.

Chefe: General term for boss, suitable for all professional levels.

Dona: Means 'owner' or is used as a respectful title before a first name.

Empregadora: Formal/legal term for 'employer'.

Minha chefe é a diretora de marketing.

A dona do restaurante é muito simpática.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

In ancient Rome, a 'patrona' was a woman who had the legal right to protect and represent others, which evolved into the modern sense of 'employer'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /pəˈtrəʊə/

US /pəˈtroʊə/

The stress is on the second syllable: pa-TRO-a.

Reimt sich auf

broa garoa canoa pessoa boa coroa lagoa proa

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'o' like the 'o' in 'pot' instead of 'go'.
Stressing the first syllable (PA-troa) instead of the second.
Making the final 'a' too long or loud.
Confusing the nasal sounds if they were present, though 'patroa' is not nasal.
Failing to distinguish between 'patroa' and 'patrona'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, especially with context clues.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires correct gender agreement with articles and adjectives.

Sprechen 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct stress on the second syllable.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to pick out in conversation.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

trabalho mulher ela a dona

Als Nächstes lernen

chefe gerente funcionário salário emprego

Fortgeschritten

hierarquia meritocracia liderança empreendedorismo gestão

Wichtige Grammatik

Gender agreement with nouns ending in -a.

A patroa bo**a**.

Contraction of 'de' + 'a' = 'da' before 'patroa'.

O carro **da** patroa.

Use of 'para' to indicate working for someone.

Eu trabalho **para** a patroa.

Direct object pronouns with feminine nouns.

Eu **a** vi (a patroa).

Possessive adjectives agreement.

**Minha** patroa, **sua** patroa.

Registriere dich kostenlos für die vollständige Erklärung

Beispiele nach Niveau

A patroa é legal.

The boss (female) is nice.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Ela é minha patroa.

She is my boss.

Use of possessive pronoun 'minha'.

Onde está a patroa?

Where is the boss?

Question with 'onde'.

A patroa fala português.

The boss speaks Portuguese.

Present tense verb 'fala'.

Uma patroa nova chegou.

A new boss (female) arrived.

Indefinite article 'uma'.

Eu vi a patroa.

I saw the boss.

Direct object with article 'a'.

A patroa tem um carro.

The boss has a car.

Verb 'ter' in the third person.

Bom dia, patroa!

Good morning, boss!

Vocative usage.

A patroa quer o relatório hoje.

The boss wants the report today.

Direct object 'o relatório'.

Nós trabalhamos para a patroa.

We work for the boss.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose/employer.

A patroa mora nesta casa.

The boss lives in this house.

Demonstrative 'nesta'.

A patroa viajou para Lisboa.

The boss traveled to Lisbon.

Past tense 'viajou'.

Você conhece a patroa?

Do you know the boss?

Verb 'conhecer' for people.

A patroa comprou pão.

The boss bought bread.

Simple past 'comprou'.

A patroa não está feliz.

The boss is not happy.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

A patroa é a dona da loja.

The boss is the owner of the shop.

Identifying roles.

A patroa pediu para eu limpar a sala.

The boss asked me to clean the room.

Indirect request structure.

Se a patroa chegar, avise-me.

If the boss arrives, let me know.

Future subjunctive 'chegar'.

Eu gosto da minha patroa porque ela é justa.

I like my boss because she is fair.

Conjunction 'porque'.

A patroa sempre paga os salários em dia.

The boss always pays salaries on time.

Adverb of frequency 'sempre'.

Minha patroa é uma mulher de negócios de sucesso.

My boss is a successful businesswoman.

Compound noun 'mulher de negócios'.

A patroa disse que não haverá trabalho amanhã.

The boss said there will be no work tomorrow.

Reported speech with 'que'.

Nós precisamos da autorização da patroa.

We need the boss's authorization.

Contraction 'da' (de + a).

A patroa foi muito gentil comigo hoje.

The boss was very kind to me today.

Preterite of 'ser'.

A patroa reconheceu o esforço da equipe.

The boss recognized the team's effort.

Abstract noun 'esforço'.

É difícil lidar com uma patroa tão autoritária.

It is difficult to deal with such an authoritarian boss.

Infinitive 'lidar' with 'com'.

A patroa investiu muito capital nesta nova filial.

The boss invested a lot of capital in this new branch.

Business vocabulary 'filial'.

Embora a patroa seja rigorosa, ela é muito competente.

Although the boss is rigorous, she is very competent.

Concession clause with 'embora' + subjunctive.

A patroa decidiu mudar a estratégia de vendas.

The boss decided to change the sales strategy.

Noun phrase 'estratégia de vendas'.

Todos respeitam a patroa pela sua integridade.

Everyone respects the boss for her integrity.

Preposition 'por' indicating reason.

A patroa exigiu que todos usassem uniforme.

The boss demanded that everyone wear a uniform.

Subjunctive 'usassem' after a command.

A patroa está liderando a expansão internacional.

The boss is leading the international expansion.

Present continuous 'está liderando'.

A patroa encarna o arquétipo da mulher empoderada moderna.

The boss embodies the archetype of the modern empowered woman.

Complex vocabulary 'encarna', 'arquétipo'.

A relação entre a patroa e os empregados é complexa.

The relationship between the boss and the employees is complex.

Subject-verb agreement with 'relação'.

A patroa agiu com uma resiliência admirável durante a crise.

The boss acted with admirable resilience during the crisis.

Adverbial phrase 'com uma resiliência admirável'.

O termo 'patroa' ganhou novos contornos na cultura pop.

The term 'patroa' gained new dimensions in pop culture.

Metaphorical use of 'contornos'.

A patroa delegou as tarefas mais árduas aos seus assistentes.

The boss delegated the most arduous tasks to her assistants.

Superlative 'mais árduas'.

É imperativo que a patroa revise os termos do contrato.

It is imperative that the boss review the terms of the contract.

Impersonal expression 'é imperativo que'.

A patroa manifestou seu descontentamento com os resultados.

The boss expressed her dissatisfaction with the results.

Formal verb 'manifestou'.

A patroa é a peça fundamental na engrenagem da empresa.

The boss is the fundamental piece in the company's machinery.

Metaphorical expression.

A patroa detém o poder de decisão final em todos os âmbitos.

The boss holds the final decision-making power in all spheres.

High-level verb 'detém'.

A aura de autoridade da patroa era quase palpável.

The boss's aura of authority was almost palpable.

Literary description.

Sob a égide da patroa, a organização prosperou imensamente.

Under the aegis of the boss, the organization prospered immensely.

Formal idiom 'sob a égide de'.

A patroa soube contornar os obstáculos com maestria.

The boss knew how to bypass the obstacles with mastery.

Preterite 'soube' indicating ability/success.

O discurso da patroa reverberou por toda a instituição.

The boss's speech resonated throughout the institution.

Verbal choice 'reverberou'.

A patroa é o esteio sobre o qual repousa toda a estrutura familiar.

The boss (mother/wife) is the pillar upon which the entire family structure rests.

Relative clause 'sobre o qual'.

A patroa pautou sua gestão pela transparência e ética.

The boss based her management on transparency and ethics.

Formal verb 'pautou'.

A patroa transcende o papel de mera empregadora.

The boss transcends the role of a mere employer.

Advanced verb 'transcende'.

Häufige Kollokationen

a patroa mandou

casa da patroa

nova patroa

patroa exigente

falar com a patroa

ordens da patroa

patroa do funk

minha patroa

patroa compreensiva

permissão da patroa

Häufige Phrasen

Sim, patroa.

— A standard, respectful response to a female boss's order.

Sim, patroa, farei isso agora mesmo.

A patroa está?

— A common question when looking for the female owner or boss.

Bom dia, a patroa está no escritório?

Vou perguntar à patroa.

— Used when an employee needs to check with their superior before deciding.

Não sei o preço, vou perguntar à patroa.

Manda quem pode, obedece a patroa.

— A playful variation of a common saying, emphasizing the boss's power.

Aqui em casa, manda quem pode, obedece a patroa.

Dia da patroa.

— An informal way to refer to a day off or a special day for the boss.

Hoje é o dia da patroa, ela não vem trabalhar.

A patroa chegou.

— A phrase used to alert others that the boss has entered the premises.

Atenção, pessoal, a patroa chegou!

Coisa de patroa.

— Used to describe something high-quality or something a boss would do/have.

Esse carro novo é coisa de patroa.

Patroa é patroa.

— A phrase implying that the boss's authority is absolute or undeniable.

Não discuto com ela, patroa é patroa.

Cadê a patroa?

— Informal way to ask for the whereabouts of the female boss.

Cadê a patroa que não vi ela hoje?

A patroa tá on.

— Modern Brazilian slang meaning the boss/woman is active, online, or ready.

Avisa lá que a patroa tá on!

Wird oft verwechselt mit

patroa vs patrona

Patrona refers to a patron of arts or a saint, not a boss.

patroa vs pastora

Pastora means a female pastor or shepherdess.

patroa vs patroa (slang)

Can be confused with literal boss if context isn't clear.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Dona da cocada preta"

— Someone who thinks they are very important or the 'boss' in an arrogant way.

Ela age como se fosse a dona da cocada preta.

informal

"Mandar no pedaço"

— To be the boss of a certain area or group.

Aqui é a patroa que manda no pedaço.

slang

"Falar grosso"

— To speak with authority, like a boss.

A patroa falou grosso e todos obedeceram.

informal

"Bater o martelo"

— To make the final decision, as a boss would.

A patroa bateu o martelo e escolheu o projeto.

neutral

"Vestir a camisa"

— To be dedicated to the boss/company.

A patroa gosta de funcionários que vestem a camisa.

business

"Dar as cartas"

— To be in control and make the rules.

Nesta empresa, a patroa é quem dá as cartas.

informal

"Pôr ordem na casa"

— To organize things and assert authority.

A patroa chegou para pôr ordem na casa.

informal

"Fazer média"

— To try to please the boss to get favors.

Ele está fazendo média com a patroa.

slang

"Estar com a bola toda"

— To be in high favor with the boss or successful.

A patroa está com a bola toda depois do contrato.

slang

"Puxar o saco"

— To be a 'kiss-up' to the boss.

Não aguento quem fica puxando o saco da patroa.

slang

Leicht verwechselbar

patroa vs chefe

Both mean boss.

Chefe is gender-neutral and more professional/corporate. Patroa is feminine and more traditional or informal.

Minha chefe é a diretora; minha patroa é a dona da casa.

patroa vs dona

Both imply authority.

Dona means owner. You can be the patroa (boss) without being the dona (owner).

A patroa gerencia a loja para a dona.

patroa vs patrão

Masculine version.

Only used for men. Never say 'o patroa'.

O patrão e a patroa são casados.

patroa vs gerente

Both manage people.

Gerente is a specific job title (manager). Patroa is a more general term for the person in charge/employer.

A patroa contratou uma nova gerente.

patroa vs empregadora

Both mean employer.

Empregadora is strictly formal and legal. Patroa is social and everyday.

No contrato, ela é a empregadora; no dia a dia, é a patroa.

Satzmuster

A patroa é [adjective].

A patroa é boa.

A patroa quer [noun].

A patroa quer o café.

A patroa disse que [clause].

A patroa disse que posso ir.

Embora a patroa [subjunctive]...

Embora a patroa seja chata, ela paga bem.

A patroa, cujo [noun]...

A patroa, cujo marido é médico, viajou.

Sob a liderança da patroa, [clause].

Sob a liderança da patroa, a empresa cresceu.

Eu trabalho para a patroa.

Eu trabalho para a patroa há dois anos.

Preciso falar com a patroa.

Preciso falar com a patroa urgentemente.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

patrão (masculine)

patronato (employers' association)

patronagem (patronage)

patronesse (female patron)

Verben

patrocinar (to sponsor)

patronear (to act as a patron)

Adjektive

patronal (relating to employers)

Verwandt

chefe

autoridade

trabalho

emprego

hierarquia

Registriere dich kostenlos, um alle Beispiele zu sehen

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in Brazil, high in Portugal.

Häufige Fehler

O patroa → A patroa
Patroa is feminine; it must take the feminine article 'a'.
Minha patrão → Minha patroa
Possessive 'minha' is feminine and must match 'patroa'.
Using 'patroa' in a law firm. → Using 'chefe' or 'diretora'.
'Patroa' is too informal for high-level corporate environments.
Confusing 'patroa' with 'patrona'. → Using 'patroa' for a boss.
'Patrona' is for saints or art patrons, not your daily boss.
Pronouncing it as PA-troa. → pa-TRO-a
The stress must be on the second syllable.

Tipps

Gender Agreement

Always use feminine articles (a, uma) and adjectives (boa, nova) with patroa. It is a strictly feminine noun.

Domestic Context

In Brazil, 'patroa' is the standard term used by domestic workers. Understanding this helps you understand Brazilian social history.

Pop Culture

Look up the song 'As Patroas' to see how the word is used to represent female power in modern Brazil.

Professionalism

Use 'diretora' or 'gestora' in a corporate interview instead of 'patroa' to sound more professional.

Addressing Someone

When in doubt, address a female boss as 'Dona [First Name]'—it is always respectful and safe.

Regional Accents

In some parts of Brazil, the 'r' in 'patroa' might be softer or harder. Listen closely to locals.

Creative Writing

Use 'patroa' in stories to establish a clear hierarchy between characters quickly.

Rhyme Time

Rhyme 'patroa' with 'pessoa' (person) to remember it refers to a specific kind of person: a boss.

Wife Slang

Only use 'patroa' for a wife if you are in a very informal setting with Brazilian friends.

Latin Roots

Remembering it comes from 'patrona' helps you connect it to English words like 'patron'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'Patron' of the arts. A 'patroa' is the female 'patron' of your job—she pays you and supports your work.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a woman wearing a crown (coroa) because she is the 'patroa' (boss) of her kingdom (the office).

Word Web

Chefe Trabalho Salário Empresa Dona Liderança Ordem Empregada

Herausforderung

Try to use 'patroa' in three different contexts today: professional, domestic, and as slang for an empowered woman.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin 'patrona', which is the feminine form of 'patronus' (protector, patron, former master of a freed slave).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A female protector or advocate; a woman of high social standing who protected clients.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

Be aware that in very formal or highly academic circles in Brazil, 'patroa' can sometimes be seen as reinforcing old class structures related to domestic servitude. Use 'chefe' if you want to be completely neutral.

In English, we usually just say 'boss' regardless of gender. 'Patroa' is more specific and culturally loaded than the English 'female boss'.

'As Patroas' (Music project by Marília Mendonça and Maiara & Maraisa) 'A Patroa' (A common character archetype in Brazilian soap operas/telenovelas) Anitta's frequent use of the term in her branding

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a private home

A patroa está em casa?
A patroa pediu para limpar.
Vou falar com a patroa.
Obrigado, patroa.

In a small shop

A patroa é a dona.
A patroa chega às nove.
A patroa está no caixa.
A patroa contratou ajuda.

Socializing with friends

A patroa não deixou.
Vou sair com a patroa.
A patroa manda lá em casa.
Minha patroa é brava.

Listening to music

Ela é a patroa.
Respeita a patroa.
Estilo de patroa.
Vida de patroa.

At an office

A nossa patroa é legal.
A patroa quer o relatório.
A patroa viajou.
Reunião com a patroa.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Como é a sua patroa no trabalho?"

"Você já teve uma patroa muito exigente?"

"O que você faria se fosse a patroa de uma grande empresa?"

"No seu país, é comum usar uma palavra específica para uma chefe mulher?"

"Você acha que o termo 'patroa' soa respeitoso ou informal?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva as qualidades que uma boa patroa deve ter.

Escreva sobre uma experiência que você teve com uma patroa ou chefe.

Como o significado de 'patroa' mudou na cultura brasileira recentemente?

Você prefere ser o patrão/patroa ou ser um funcionário? Por quê?

Imagine que você é a patroa de uma loja de sucesso. Como seria o seu dia?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. However, in some contexts, it can highlight social inequality. In modern slang, it's actually a compliment meaning 'powerful woman'.

In Brazil, yes, it's common slang. In Portugal, it's less common and might sound a bit strange or very old-fashioned.

The plural is 'patroas'. Example: 'As patroas estão reunidas'.

It's safer to use 'Dona [Name]' or just '[Name]'. Calling her 'Patroa' to her face is very informal and depends on your relationship.

Yes, it is used, but it's more common in traditional or domestic settings than in modern city offices.

It's a Brazilian slang meaning 'The boss (woman) is active/online/ready for action'.

In a modern office, yes. 'Chefe' sounds more professional and less traditional.

Usually, yes, but it can also mean the 'lady of the house' or be used as slang for a powerful woman.

The masculine form is 'patrão'.

It's pronounced pa-TRO-a, with the stress on the 'tro'.

Registriere dich kostenlos für Tipps & Notizen