"I should type that letter for my boss."

Translation: Mi devus tajpi tiun leteron por mia ĉefo.

[xigoi]

ĉefo × estro?

[mizinamo]

The PIV dictionary has this to say on the subject:

La diferenco inter estr k ĉef estas tia, ke la unua insistas pri la ideo de efektiva ordonpovo, dum la dua elmontras precipe la altrangecon inter pluraj similaj.

"The difference between estr and ĉef is such that the first insists/focusses on the idea of effective commanding ability, while the second primarily shows a higher rank among many similar ones."

[xigoi]

Dankegon!

[mikewhcheung]

What is the difference between this and "Mi tajpu tiun leteron por mia cxefo"?

[jxetkubo]

That’s the difference between should and shall. If you say should you probably won’t do it.

[mizinamo]

Your sentence could also mean "Let me (just go and) type this letter for my boss", i.e. you are announcing what you are about to do.

[Michael178691]

Why is this (tajpu) in command form, and not conditional (tajpus)?

[jxetkubo]

Beause it is “should”, not “would.”

[Michael178691]

Thanks

[Zoaeth]

Kial 'tiun leteron', ne 'tion leteron'?

[xigoi]

Tiu is used with a noun, tio standalone. Example:

Mi legas tiun libron.

Mi vidas tion.

When tiu is standalone, it refers to a person.

Tiu [persono] salutis min.

[Zoaeth]

Dankon!

[jxetkubo]

That is not totally correct.
Vi legas tiun libron.
Mi vidas tion. – Mi vidas, ke vi legas la libron.
Mi vidas tiun. – Mi vidas la libron.

The standalone tiu refers to a definite thing or person.

[xigoi]

Well, it still has a contextual noun.

[Juha_Metsakallas]

Why not "Mi devus tajpi tiun leteron al mia ĉefo"? Or does the "for" mean that I'm writing on behalf of the boss?