complimenti allo chef
The English phrase "compliments to the chef" is expressed in Italian as complimenti allo chef.
This phrase is used to express praise for the quality of a meal to the person who prepared it. To make the phrase a complete and polite sentence, it is common in Italian to add a possessive adjective, such as I nostri complimenti allo chef (Our compliments to the chef).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of complimenti (compliments), allo (to the) and chef (chef).
Which one should you use?
While chef is widely used in professional culinary contexts, you can also use complimenti al cuoco to say "compliments to the cook", as cuoco is the standard Italian word for cook.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the chef is female, the article and noun ending change from allo chef to alla chef.
Did you know?
- In traditional Italian dining, it is more common to express praise to the waiter using the phrase Complimenti alla cucina, which translates to 'compliments to the kitchen'.
- The word complimenti is used for praising a skill, but it can also be used ironically in Italian to express sarcasm when something goes wrong.
- The word chef is a direct relative of the Italian word capo, which means 'boss' or 'head'. Both descend from the Latin word caput meaning 'head'.
Examples in context
- I nostri complimenti allo chef.Our compliments to the chef.This sentence is useful for saying "Our compliments to the chef" using the form complimenti allo chef.Tatoeba #7338605 by Guybrush88, translation #7306613 by Hybrid
- Dai i nostri complimenti allo chef.Give our compliments to the chef.This sentence is useful for requesting that someone "Give our compliments to the chef" using the form complimenti allo chef.Tatoeba #7338614 by Guybrush88, translation #7306609 by Hybrid
- Le tue lasagne sono le migliori che abbia mai mangiato.Your lasagna is the best I've ever eaten.
- Rivolgo i miei complimenti allo chef.I offer my compliments to the chef.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are finishing a delicious dinner at a restaurant.
- AlessandroQuesta pasta era davvero squisita.This pasta was truly delicious.
- GiuliaSono d'accordo, è stata fantastica.I agree, it was fantastic.
- AlessandroChiedo al cameriere di fare i complimenti allo chef.I'll ask the waiter to give my compliments to the chef.
- GiuliaSì, merita sicuramente un elogio.Yes, he definitely deserves praise.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allo, chef, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
