chef
/ʃɛf/masculine
The English phrase 'chef' translates to French as chef. Wiktionary also lists chef cuisinier.
Meaning: head cook of an establishment such as a restaurant (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| chef | /ʃɛf/ | masculine |
| chef cuisinier | masculine |
In a culinary context, chef refers to the head cook of an establishment such as a restaurant. Note that in French, the word chef is more versatile than in English. It can mean a leader or boss in many different contexts, such as a chef de projet (project manager), whereas in English the word is almost exclusively used for cooking.
What does it mean word for word?
The term chef cuisinier literally translates to 'head cook', where chef means head or chief and cuisinier means cook.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although chef is traditionally masculine, in modern usage you can use the feminine article la before chef to refer to a female chef.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɛf/
Did you know?
- In a traditional French kitchen, the chef operates within a strict military-style hierarchy called the brigade de cuisine. Each member has a specific rank and role that cannot be overlapped.
- The word chef shares the same linguistic root as the English word 'cap', as both descend from the Latin 'caput', meaning 'head'.
- While chef means 'boss' in French, it can also refer to a religious leader or the head of a political party, not just a manager of a business.
Examples in context
- Tom a remercié le chef.Tom thanked the chef.This sentence shows how to use chef when someone is thanking them.Tatoeba #3957871 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #2547546 by CK
- Je vais appeler le chef.I'll call the chef.This sentence demonstrates calling for the chef.Tatoeba #1913963 by sacredceltic, translation #1912010 by Spamster
- Le chef porte un tablier.The chef wears an apron.This sentence describes a piece of clothing worn by the chef.Tatoeba #8854291 by lbdx, translation #8345973 by Cxom
- Je vais dîner dans un restaurant étoilé avec un grand chef ce soir.I'm going to dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant with a grand chef tonight.
- Le chef cuisinier de ce restaurant est renommé pour ses plats exquis.The head chef of this restaurant is renowned for his exquisite dishes.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are at a restaurant discussing the food.
- HugoLe repas était excellent, Léa.The meal was excellent, Léa.
- LéaOui, le chef est très talentueux.Yes, the chef is very talented.
- HugoJe voudrais remercier le chef.I would like to thank the chef.
- LéaJe vais lui transmettre tes compliments.I will pass on your compliments to him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chef” translations and entries chef, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chef, cuisinier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
