Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'chef'

English Word: chef

Key Russian Translations:

• шеф-повар [ʂɛf ˈpovar] - [Formal, Commonly Used]
• повар [ˈpovar] - [Neutral, General Usage]

Frequency: High (especially "повар")

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

шеф-повар: [ʂɛf ˈpovar]

Note on шеф-повар: The stress falls on the second syllable of "повар." The "ш" sound is a retroflex fricative, unique to Russian.

повар: [ˈpovar]

Note on повар: Stress is on the first syllable. The "р" is rolled, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A professional cook, often in charge of a kitchen (Head Chef)

Translation(s) & Context:

• шеф-повар - Used for a head chef or someone in a supervisory role in a professional kitchen.

Usage Examples:

• Шеф-повар этого ресторана готовит изумительные блюда.

  The head chef of this restaurant prepares amazing dishes.

• Наш шеф-повар имеет опыт работы во Франции.

  Our head chef has experience working in France.

• Шеф-повар лично проверил все ингредиенты.

  The head chef personally checked all the ingredients.

2. A general cook or someone who cooks professionally or casually

Translation(s) & Context:

• повар - Refers to any cook, not necessarily a head chef; can be used in both professional and casual contexts.

Usage Examples:

• Моя бабушка — отличный повар.

  My grandmother is an excellent cook.

• Повар в столовой готовит суп каждый день.

  The cook in the cafeteria prepares soup every day.

• Он работает поваром в небольшом кафе.

  He works as a cook in a small café.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

шеф-повар (Masculine Noun):

повар (Masculine Noun):

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• кулинар (more general, often refers to culinary skills)

Note: "кулинар" is broader and less formal than "шеф-повар," often used for someone passionate about cooking rather than a professional.

Antonyms:

• No direct antonyms applicable.

Related Phrases:

• главный шеф-повар - Head chef of a kitchen or restaurant.
• повар на дому - Home cook or private chef.
• работать поваром - To work as a cook.

Usage Notes:

• "шеф-повар" specifically implies a higher rank or supervisory role in a kitchen, often used in professional or formal contexts like restaurants or hotels. It is less common in casual or home settings.
• "повар" is a more general term and can apply to any cook, whether professional or not. It is the default choice unless emphasizing hierarchy or expertise.
• When addressing or referring to a chef directly in conversation, "шеф" (a shortened form of "шеф-повар") can be used informally in professional kitchens.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "шеф-повар" to refer to a casual home cook.
  Incorrect: Моя мама — шеф-повар. (My mom is a head chef.)
  Correct: Моя мама — отличный повар. (My mom is a great cook.)
  Explanation: "шеф-повар" implies a professional, often managerial role, and is inappropriate for non-professional contexts.
• Error: Misplacing stress in pronunciation of "повар" (e.g., stressing the second syllable).
  Explanation: Stress must be on the first syllable [ˈpovar]. Incorrect stress can lead to misunderstanding or sound unnatural.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, the role of a "шеф-повар" is often associated with prestige in high-end restaurants, especially with the rise of culinary shows and international cuisine. However, traditional home cooking is highly valued, and calling someone a "повар" in a family context is a compliment to their skills. Additionally, Soviet-era canteens often employed "повара," and the term may evoke nostalgic associations with communal dining for older generations.

Related Concepts:

• кухня (kitchen)
• ресторан (restaurant)
• блюдо (dish)