chef
“chef” means “chef” in Spanish (head cook).
chef
Also: head cook, chief
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El chef preparó un plato delicioso con mariscos frescos.
A2The chef prepared a delicious dish with fresh seafood.
Mi hermana es chef en un restaurante francés muy famoso.
B1My sister is a chef at a very famous French restaurant.
La chef ejecutiva supervisa toda la cocina.
B2The executive chef oversees the entire kitchen.
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Quick Quiz: chef
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'chef' to refer to a woman?
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📚 Etymology▼
This word is a direct loan from French. In French, 'chef' means 'chief' or 'head,' and was originally short for 'chef de cuisine' (head of the kitchen). Spanish adopted it to specifically refer to the professional head cook.
First recorded: 20th century (in widespread Spanish usage)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'chef' a Spanish word or an English word?
It is originally a French word that has been adopted into both Spanish and English. In Spanish, it is considered a commonly used foreign word, particularly in culinary contexts.
What is the difference between 'chef' and 'cocinero'?
'Cocinero' is the general word for anyone who cooks (cook). 'Chef' is usually reserved for a highly trained professional, often someone who manages a kitchen, creates menus, or holds a position of authority (head cook).