chef
/ˈt͡ʃef/masculine
The Spanish word for chef is chef.
The term chef refers to the head cook of an establishment, such as a restaurant. It identifies a professional in a high-level kitchen environment.
Meaning: head cook of an establishment such as a restaurant (noun)
Which one should you use?
While chef refers specifically to a head cook or a high-level professional, the term cocinero is a more general word for anyone who cooks.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although chef is masculine, it can be used as a feminine noun by using the article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃef/
Did you know?
- The word chef is a doublet of cabo, meaning 'cape' or 'corporal'. Both words descend from the Latin caput, meaning 'head'.
- In high-end Spanish gastronomy, the chef is often viewed as an artist or 'author', leading to the term cocina de autor to describe their specific style.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, calling a home cook a chef is seen as a humorous exaggeration or a playful compliment.
Examples in context
- Se quejó con el chef.He complained to the chef.This sentence shows how to express complaining to the chef.Tatoeba #7975653 by helq, translation #2649922 by Hybrid
- Tom es un chef famoso.Tom is a famous chef.This sentence describes someone who is a famous chef.Tatoeba #3523410 by marcelostockle, translation #3068211 by Hybrid
- El chef se acercó a nuestra mesa.The chef came over at our table.This sentence illustrates the chef approaching a table.Tatoeba #7315697 by Seael, translation #7306614 by Hybrid
- El chef preparó un delicioso platillo para la cena de gala.The chef prepared a delicious dish for the gala dinner.
- ¿Podría hablar con el jefe de cocina? Necesito hacer una solicitud especial.Could I speak to the head chef? I have a special request.
- Vamos a cenar en el restaurante del chef.Let's have dinner at the chef's restaurant.
- El cocinero del puesto de tacos hace las mejores quesadillas.The cook at the taco stand makes the best quesadillas.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a new dining option at a local restaurant.
- ElenaMateo, ¿conoces al chef de este lugar?Mateo, do you know the chef of this place?
- MateoNo, pero he oído que es muy bueno.No, but I have heard he is very good.
- ElenaEl chef nos servirá la comida pronto.The chef will serve us the food soon.
- MateoEspero que la cena sea excelente.I hope the dinner is excellent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chef” translations and entries chef, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chef, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
