1.
sous chef; assistant head chef
The second-in-command in a professional kitchen, directly below the head chef. Responsible for overseeing kitchen operations when the head chef is absent and assisting with menu planning and staff management.
Composed of 副 (vice-, deputy) + 料理長 (head chef). Part of the standard kitchen hierarchy in professional restaurants and hotels. In Japanese kitchens, the role mirrors the Western sous chef position.
Kitchen hierarchy
Common collocations
- 副料理長に昇進する: to be promoted to sous chef
- 副料理長を務める: to serve as sous chef
- 副料理長が指揮する: for the sous chef to take charge
Similar words
- スーシェフ: sous chef — French loanword, used in higher-end establishments
- 料理長: head chef — the position directly above