Guv Meaning in English
word
ɡʌv
GUHV
ɡˈʌv
GUHV
Definition
A very informal British English way to address or refer to a man in authority, like a boss or an older man; similar to 'boss' or 'mate', used mostly by working-class speakers.
Usage & Nuances
'Guv' is slang, almost always British and highly informal. Common in London and the South of England, often used by workers or when speaking to male strangers in a friendly way. Not used in formal situations. Can sound outdated or stereotypical.
Spanish: jefe (coloquial) - patrón (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): chefe (coloquial) - patrão (coloquial)Portuguese (PT): chefe (coloquial) - patrão (coloquial)Chinese (Simplified): 老板 (口语) - 老大 (口语)Chinese (Traditional): 老闆 (口語) - 老大 (口語)Hindi: बॉस (अनौपचारिक) - मालिक (स्लैंग)Arabic: يا ريس (عامية) - الزعيم (عامية)Bengali: স্যার - বসRussian: шеф - начальник (разговорное)Japanese: 親方（おやかた） - ボス（俗語）Vietnamese: sếp (thân mật) - ông anh (thân mật)Korean: 보스 (친근하게) - 사장님 (친근하게)Turkish: patron - abi (argo)Urdu: صاحب - باس (غیر رسمی)Indonesian: bos (gaul) - pak (santai)
Example Sentences
Morning, guv.
basic
Can you help me, guv?
basic
Thanks, guv!
basic
No problem, guv, I'll sort it out.
natural
He's a fair guv, always treats his crew right.
natural
Alright, guv, what's the job today?
natural