1.
licensed cook; certified chef
A professional cook who holds an official license (調理師免許) issued by a prefectural governor in Japan. The license certifies competence in food preparation, hygiene, and nutrition.
調理師の免許を取る。
To get a cook's license.
調理師として病院の食堂で働いている。
I work as a licensed cook at a hospital cafeteria.
調理師専門学校を卒業して、ホテルのレストランに就職した。
After graduating from a culinary school, I got a job at a hotel restaurant.
USAGE:
Specifically refers to someone who holds the official 調理師免許, a national qualification in Japan. Not all professional cooks are licensed, but the license is required or preferred for certain positions, especially in schools, hospitals, and public facilities.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 調理師免許 (cook's license)
- 調理師専門学校 (culinary school)
- 調理師試験 (cook's license exam)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- シェフ: chef — loanword, often implies a head chef or someone at a high-end restaurant
- 料理人: cook, chef — general term without implying certification