The Vietnamese word "thủ trưởng" is a noun that translates to "chief officer" or "leader" in English. It is used to refer to someone in a position of authority or leadership, often in a formal or organizational context.
In more formal contexts, "thủ trưởng" can be used in conjunction with other titles or roles to specify the area of leadership, such as "thủ trưởng phòng" (department head) or "thủ trưởng cơ quan" (agency head).
While "thủ trưởng" primarily refers to a chief officer, it can sometimes imply a mentor or guide, particularly in military or educational settings, where the chief officer plays a role in training or leading others.