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.

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