How to Pronounce Chef

To pronounce "chef", say CHEF — one syllable, IPA /ʃɛf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

chef

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/ʃɛf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “chef”

"chef" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with jeff and clef, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: scheff, sheff — easy to mix up when writing.

What does chef mean?

noun

  1. The presiding cook in the kitchen of a large household.
  2. The head cook of a restaurant or other establishment.

verb

  1. To work as a chef; to prepare and cook food professionally.
  2. To stab with a knife, to shank, to lacerate with a rambo.

Synonyms

magiristmagirologist

Hear “chef” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with chef

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

jeffclefcrefhfdfbasayevdeaf

Related words

kitchencuisinecookingcookbakerkitchenercookieenchilada

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "chef"?▾

"Chef" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "chef"?▾

The IPA transcription of "chef" is /ʃɛf/.

What does "chef" mean?▾

Chef: The presiding cook in the kitchen of a large household.

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