Formal:
* 老板 (lǎobǎn): This is the most common and general term for "boss". It can be used for both male and female bosses.
* 上司 (shàngsī): This means "superior" and is a more formal way to refer to your boss, especially in a business setting.
* 主管 (zhǔguǎn): This means "supervisor" and is another formal way to refer to someone in a position of authority.
Informal:
* 头儿 (tóu'er): This is a more casual and informal way to say "boss". It's generally used among close colleagues.
* 老大 (lǎodà): This means "big brother" and can be used in a friendly way to refer to a boss, especially in a smaller company.
Other:
* 经理 (jīnglǐ): This means "manager" and is used specifically for bosses in management positions.
* 领导 (lǐngdǎo): This means "leader" and is a general term for someone in a position of authority, including bosses.
Choosing the right term:
* Formal settings: Use **老板 (lǎobǎn), 上司 (shàngsī), or 主管 (zhǔguǎn).
* Informal settings: Use 头儿 (tóu'er) or 老大 (lǎodà).
* Specific roles: Use terms like 经理 (jīnglǐ) or 领导 (lǐngdǎo) when appropriate.
Remember to be aware of the context and formality of the situation when choosing which term to use.