Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 셰프 | syepeu | [ɕʰe̞pʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [sʰe̞pʰɯ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 요리사 | yorisa | [joɾisʰa̠] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 주방장 | jubangjang | [t͡ɕuba̠ŋd͡ʑa̠ŋ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
The term used depends on whether you are referring to a general cook, a professional in a high-end establishment or the specific person in charge of a kitchen.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 주방장 is composed of 주방, meaning kitchen and 장, meaning chief or head.
Which one should you use?
요리사 is a neutral, general term for any cook or person who prepares food. In contrast, 셰프 is a loanword from English that implies a professional title or higher status, often used in modern or high-end dining to sound more sophisticated. 주방장 specifically refers to the head chef or kitchen manager and is used for the person in charge of a kitchen, particularly in traditional or formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a cook directly to show respect, you should add the honorific suffix –님 to the title, resulting in 요리사님.
How do you pronounce it?
syepeu
Did you know?
- The character 師 in the Sino-Korean word 요리사 is the same character used in words for 'master' or 'teacher', implying that a cook is someone who has mastered a specific craft.
- If you are calling out to a chef in a traditional Korean restaurant, using the term 요리사 can actually sound quite impersonal, almost like you are labeling their profession rather than addressing them as a person.
- The suffix -님 is so essential for politeness that calling a professional a mere 요리사 without it can come across as blunt or even dismissive in a formal service environment.
Examples in context
- 저희 레스토랑의 요리사분들은 정말 뛰어난 실력을 가지고 계세요.The chefs at our restaurant have exceptional skills.
- 우리 주방장님께서는 재료의 품질에 항상 신경을 쓰십니다.Our head chef always pays attention to the quality of ingredients.
- 우리 친구가 이탈리아 셰프로 일하고 있어요.Our friend works as an Italian chef.
- 요리장이 요리하는 과정을 친절하게 설명해 주셨어요.The chef kindly explained the cooking process.
- 그 레스토랑의 셰프는 정말 유명해요.geu reseurang-ui syepeo-neun jeongmal yumyeonghaeyo.The chef of that restaurant is really famous.
- 우리 셰프님이 이 요리를 만드셨어요.uri syepeonim-i i yori-reul mandeusyeosseoyo.Our chef made this dish.
- 새로 온 셰프는 실력이 좋아요.saero on syepeo-neun sillyeok-i joayo.The new chef is very skilled.
Example conversation
Ji-eun and Ji-hoon are eating at a high-end restaurant.
- 지은 Ji-eun지훈 씨, 이 파스타 정말 맛있네요.Ji-hun ssi, i pasta jeongmal masitneyo.Ji-hoon, this pasta is really delicious.
- 지훈 Ji-hun맞아요. 여기 셰프가 아주 실력이 좋대요.Majayo. Yeogi syepuga 아주 sillyeogi jodaeyo.Right. I heard the chef here is very skilled.
- 지은 Ji-eun직접 셰프님을 뵐 수 있을까요?Jikjeop syepunimeul boel su isseulkkayo?Could we meet the chef in person?
- 지훈 Ji-hun아마 지금은 너무 바쁘실 거예요.Ama jigeumeun neomu bappeusil geoyeyo.They are probably too busy right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chef” translations and entries 셰프, 요리사, 주방장, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 셰프, 요리사, 주방장, CC BY-SA 4.0.
