上司 shàngsi boss
boss; superior
How to remember 上司: 上 above + 司 department = boss.
Characters
How it is used
- 'Boss, superior' - the person directly above you at work - 我的直属上司 (wǒ de zhíshǔ shàngsi) my immediate superior. Note 司 is neutral tone.
- Contrast 老板 (lǎobǎn, owner/boss, more casual): 上司 emphasizes your position in the hierarchy.
Example sentences
- 如果你有上司的话，学会尊敬他（她）。 Rúguǒ nǐ yǒu shàngsī dehuà, xuéhuì zūnjìng tā (tā).Be respectful to your superiors, if you have any.
- 汤姆的上司真的非常生气。 Tāngmǔ de shàngsī zhēnde fēicháng shēngqì.Tom's boss was really angry.