şef
/ʃef/
The Turkish word for chef is şef.
şef refers to the head cook of an establishment such as a restaurant. It is also frequently used in various professional contexts to mean a 'boss' or 'chief'.
Meaning: head cook of an establishment such as a restaurant (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of şef is şefler. To indicate possession (the genitive form), use şefin (of the chef). To indicate direction or a recipient (the dative form), use şefe (to the chef).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃef/. The sound /ʃ/ is like the [sh] in shoe and /f/ is like the [f] in food.
Did you know?
- Because şef also means 'conductor' in a musical context, a Turkish speaker might use the same word for the person leading an orchestra.
- In some Turkish workplaces, calling a manager şefim (my chef/boss) is a common way to soften a request or show friendliness.
- While şef means head cook, the general word for a cook in Turkish is aşçı, which comes from the word aş meaning 'food' or 'meal'.
Examples in context
- Tom iyi bir şef.Tom is a good chef.This sentence uses şef to describe Tom's quality as a chef.Tatoeba #5003015 by duran, translation #4999962 by CK
- Şefimiz bugün çok meşgul.Our chef is very busy today.This sentence uses şef to refer to a specific chef.Tatoeba #2938960 by duran, translation #423656 by CM
- Sekkura nitelikli bir şef.Sekkura is a qualified chef.This sentence uses şef to describe Sekkura's qualifications.Tatoeba #4464238 by duran, translation #1740128 by Djef_Messaoudi
- Bu restoranda bir aşçı çalışıyor.There is a chef working at this restaurant.
- Usta aşçı, bu akşamki yemeği hazırladınız mı?Master chef, have you prepared tonight's meal?
- Bu restoranda usta aşçılar çalışıyor.Master chefs are working at this restaurant.
- Aşçılar, yemekleriyle insanların kalbini kazanır.Chefs win people's hearts with their food.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Can and Zeynep are discussing a famous restaurant.
- CanZeynep, bu restoranın şefi harika.Zeynep, the chef of this restaurant is wonderful.
- ZeynepEvet, şef her şeyi çok lezzetli yapıyor.Yes, the chef makes everything very delicious.
- CanOnunla tanışmak ister miydin?Would you like to meet him?
- ZeynepÇok isterim, Can.I would love to, Can.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry şef, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
