ボス

ぼす
noun
boss
1. boss, leader, head
The person in charge of a group or organization. Can refer to a workplace superior, the head of a criminal gang, or the final enemy in a video game.
ボスに報告(ほうこく)する。
To report to the boss.
ゲームのラスボスがなかなか(たお)せない。
I just can't beat the final boss of the game.
(かれ)はこの業界(ぎょうかい)のボス(てき)存在(そんざい)として()られている。
He is known as the boss-like figure in this industry.

USAGE:
ボス is used across several contexts: casual reference to a workplace boss (more informal than 上司(じょうし)), the leader of a criminal organization ((くみ)のボス), and especially common in gaming (ボスキャラ, ラスボス).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ラスボス: final boss (ラスト + ボス)
  • ボスキャラ: boss character (in games)
  • ボス(せん): boss fight
  • (うら)ボス: hidden/secret boss

SIMILAR WORDS:
上司(じょうし) is the standard word for one's workplace superior. ボス is more informal and can sound dramatic or humorous when used for everyday work relationships.