padrone
owner
noun pah-DROH-neh Less Common
Origin: From Latin patronus (protector, master), via Vulgar Latin.
Also means
master
Usage Note
Padrone can mean the owner of a property or business (il padrone di casa — landlord) as well as a boss or master. The phrase fare il padrone means to act like one owns the place. Its feminine form is padrona. In historical contexts it carried connotations of feudal authority; today it is neutral for 'owner' but can sound blunt when meaning 'boss'.
Examples
"Il padrone del ristorante ci ha accolti calorosamente."
Natural Translation
The restaurant owner welcomed us warmly.
Related Words
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