mise en place
mise en place is the French term for preparation in the context of cooking.
In a professional kitchen, mise en place refers specifically to the process of gathering and preparing all ingredients and tools before cooking begins.
Meaning: cooking: preparation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This is a noun phrase where mise is the feminine noun for 'putting' or 'placing', en is 'in' and place is 'place', literally translating to 'putting in place'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As a feminine noun phrase, it is preceded by the feminine article la when used in a full French sentence.
Did you know?
- Beyond the kitchen, mise en place is used in French theatre and film to describe the physical positioning of actors and props on a stage.
- While it sounds like a purely culinary term, the verb mettre used in its construction is also the basis for the French word for 'bet' or 'stake', because you are 'putting' something on the line.
- Outside of the kitchen, if you tell a French person you need to 'faire la mise en place' of your life, they will find it odd. The phrase is strictly specialized and does not translate to general 'organization' in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Avant de commencer à cuisiner, assurez-vous de faire votre mise en place.Before starting to cook, make sure to do your mise en place.
- La mise en place est presque terminée.The preparation is almost finished.
- Vérifie ta mise en place avant de cuisiner.Check your mise en place before cooking.
- Une bonne mise en place facilite le service.Good preparation makes service easier.
Example conversation
In a professional restaurant kitchen before the dinner rush.
- ManonHugo, est-ce que ta mise en place est prête ?Hugo, is your preparation ready?
- HugoOui, j'ai fini de couper tous les légumes.Yes, I have finished cutting all the vegetables.
- ManonParfait, le chef arrive bientôt.Perfect, the chef is arriving soon.
- HugoJe suis prêt pour le service.I am ready for service.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, mise, mise en place, place, CC BY-SA 4.0.
