หัวหน้า

Explanation

หัวหน้า is a common noun for someone who stands at the head of a group and takes responsibility for directing or coordinating other people. At work it often means “supervisor”; in a store it may mean “person in charge”; and in a team or other group it can mean “leader” or “head.” It is formed from หัว, “head,” and หน้า, “front.” A useful way to remember it is as someone who stands at the front or head of a group. It is often followed by the group or unit concerned, as in หัวหน้าทีม, “team leader.” The classifier for people, คน, is used when counting.

Usage

It is widely used in workplaces, stores, factories, schools, government offices, and sports teams—any setting where one person supervises or coordinates others. It is especially common when referring to a direct supervisor or asking to speak to whoever is in charge.

Caution

หัวหน้า is broader than “supervisor” and can also refer to the leader of a team, class, or other non-work group. However, it does not automatically replace specific titles such as ผู้จัดการ, “manager,” or ประธาน, “chairperson/president.”

1 supervisor synonyms

• ผู้จัดการ

  phûucàtkaan manager

  ผู้จัดการ usually denotes the formal job title “manager.” หัวหน้า is broader and can refer to anyone who actually supervises or leads others, even when that is not their official title.

• ผู้นำ

  phûunam leader

  ผู้นำ means a leader who guides an organization, society, movement, or group in a broad sense. หัวหน้า is the more everyday term for the person directly in charge of a workplace unit or specific group.

• เจ้านาย

  câw naay boss

  เจ้านาย emphasizes someone who employs you or holds authority over you and often corresponds to “boss.” หัวหน้า focuses more on the role of directly supervising or leading a group.