A2 noun Neutral 2 min read

commis

/kɔ.mi/
Practice it Notes & Tips

Overview

The word 'commis' in French refers to a junior cook or kitchen assistant. It's a masculine noun, and its plural form is 'commis' as well, maintaining the same spelling.

In a professional kitchen setting, a commis is typically an entry-level position. They work under the guidance of more experienced chefs, such as a chef de partie or a sous chef. The role of a commis is crucial for the smooth operation of a kitchen, as they are responsible for many fundamental tasks. These tasks often include preparing ingredients (chopping vegetables, butchering meats), maintaining cleanliness and organization in their work area, assisting with basic cooking procedures, and generally supporting the senior culinary staff. It's a learning role where aspiring chefs gain practical experience, develop their skills, and learn the routines and standards of a professional kitchen.

The term 'commis' can also be found in other professional contexts, though less commonly today, where it denotes a clerk, assistant, or junior employee in various fields, such as a 'commis de bureau' (office clerk) or 'commis voyageur' (traveling salesman, though this term is largely historical). However, its most prevalent and widely understood meaning in contemporary French, particularly in the culinary world, is that of a junior cook. The progression from a commis often leads to roles like 'demi-chef de partie' and then 'chef de partie,' as one gains experience and demonstrates proficiency in specific kitchen stations.

Examples

1

Le jeune commis s'affairait en cuisine, apprenant les rudiments du métier.

Cooking/Professional kitchen

The young junior cook was busy in the kitchen, learning the basics of the trade.

2

En tant que commis, il était chargé des tâches préparatoires comme éplucher les légumes.

Cooking/Professional kitchen

As a kitchen assistant, he was responsible for preparatory tasks like peeling vegetables.

3

Elle a commencé sa carrière comme commis dans un petit restaurant avant de devenir cheffe.

Career progression in culinary arts

She started her career as a junior cook in a small restaurant before becoming a chef.

4

Le commis pâtissier aidait à la préparation des desserts.

Pastry kitchen

The junior pastry cook helped with the preparation of desserts.

5

Les commis sont essentiels au bon fonctionnement d'une brigade de cuisine.

Kitchen hierarchy

Junior cooks are essential to the smooth functioning of a kitchen brigade.

Common Collocations

commis de cuisine
jeune commis
commis de restaurant
commis pâtissier

Often Confused With

commis vs commissaire

A 'commissaire' is a commissioner, often in a police or administrative context, which is a significantly different role and level of authority than a 'commis' (a junior cook or kitchen assistant).

commis vs commerce

'Commerce' refers to trade or business, an entirely different concept from 'commis' which describes a person in a culinary role.

Grammar Patterns

masculine noun can be used in phrases like 'commis de cuisine' (kitchen assistant) or 'commis de rang' (waiter's assistant)

How to Use It

In contemporary French culinary usage, "commis" is almost exclusively used in a professional kitchen context. It refers specifically to a junior cook, not a general assistant in other fields. For example, one would not refer to an office assistant as a "commis." The term is often used with a modifier to specify the area of the kitchen they are assisting in, such as "commis de cuisine" (kitchen commis) or "commis pâtissier" (pastry commis). It's important to note that while it denotes a junior role, it doesn't necessarily imply inexperience, but rather a stage in professional development within the highly structured environment of a traditional French kitchen. When speaking about a commis, it's common to acknowledge their learning role, perhaps saying, "Le jeune commis apprend vite" (The young commis learns quickly) or "Le commis est en charge de la découpe des légumes" (The commis is in charge of cutting vegetables).

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is confusing 'commis' with 'commissaire', which means commissioner or inspector. Although they share a similar root, 'commis' specifically refers to a junior cook or kitchen assistant, while 'commissaire' has a completely different professional meaning. Another mistake can be mispronouncing the word; the 's' is silent, so it's pronounced /kɔmi/. Ensure you don't add an audible 's' sound at the end. Additionally, sometimes learners might incorrectly assume it's a feminine noun due to similar-sounding words in French ending in 'is' that are feminine, but 'commis' is masculine. Always remember its specific culinary context as a junior position in a professional kitchen hierarchy, distinct from a general 'cuisinier' (cook) or 'chef'. It's also not typically used for someone cooking at home. Lastly, avoid using it to describe a waiter or server; for that, you would use 'serveur' or 'serveuse'.

Tips

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Culinary Roles

In French kitchens, 'commis' refers to a junior cook or kitchen assistant. This role is often an entry-level position for aspiring chefs, where they learn the fundamentals of cooking, food preparation, and kitchen operations under the guidance of more experienced chefs.

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Distinction from 'Chef'

It's important to distinguish 'commis' from 'chef'. While both are involved in cooking, a 'chef' typically holds a more senior position, with greater responsibility, experience, and often specialized skills. A 'commis' works under a chef.

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Career Progression

The 'commis' role is a crucial stepping stone in a culinary career. After gaining experience and refining their skills, a 'commis' can progress to more advanced roles such as 'chef de partie' (station chef), 'sous-chef' (deputy chef), and eventually, 'chef de cuisine' (head chef).

Word Origin

The French word 'commis' originates from the Old French 'comis' (meaning 'one entrusted with a task'), which itself derived from the Latin 'commissus,' the past participle of 'committere' (to commit, entrust, combine). This Latin root is a combination of 'com-' (together, with) and 'mittere' (to send, put). In its early usage in French, 'commis' referred broadly to someone appointed or commissioned to perform a duty, often in an administrative or legal capacity, such as a clerk, deputy, or agent. Over time, its meaning specialized in various professional contexts. In the culinary world, the term 'commis' began to be used to denote a junior member of the kitchen staff, particularly in the brigade de cuisine system popularized by Auguste Escoffier in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In this hierarchical system, a 'commis' is an apprentice or junior cook who works under a chef de partie (station chef) to learn the ropes and assist with various tasks, from preparing ingredients to maintaining cleanliness. This culinary application reflects the original sense of being 'entrusted with a task' but at an entry-level, learning stage. The word has been adopted into English culinary vocabulary, often retaining its French pronunciation and specific meaning within professional kitchens.

Cultural Context

The word "commis" in French culinary culture signifies a specific role within a professional kitchen hierarchy. Historically, and still largely today, French kitchens operate under a brigade de cuisine system, a hierarchical structure pioneered by Auguste Escoffier. A "commis" is at the foundational level of this brigade, typically a junior cook or an apprentice. Their role is primarily to assist the chefs de partie (station chefs) with mise en place—preparing ingredients, chopping vegetables, cleaning, and basic cooking tasks. It's a position of learning and growth, where aspiring chefs gain fundamental skills and an understanding of kitchen operations before advancing to more specialized roles. The term carries a connotation of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to mastering the culinary arts, reflecting the rigorous training inherent in French gastronomy.

Memory Tip

Visualize a 'commissar' (a political officer) cooking in a kitchen. Both words start with 'commis'. Or, think of 'commissioned' into the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

The word 'commis' is of French origin. It is derived from the Old French word 'commis,' which means 'one entrusted with a commission' or 'delegate.' Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically refer to a junior cook or kitchen assistant in a culinary context, particularly within the traditional brigade de cuisine system.

A commis typically performs a variety of fundamental tasks under the supervision of more senior chefs. These duties can include basic food preparation such as washing, peeling, and chopping vegetables, preparing simple sauces, portioning ingredients, and assisting with plating dishes. They are also responsible for maintaining cleanliness and organization in their workstation, helping with inventory, and ensuring proper storage of food items. It's a foundational role designed for learning and developing essential culinary skills.

In the classical 'brigade de cuisine' system, the commis is at the entry-level, often serving as an apprentice or junior assistant. They work directly under a 'chef de partie' (station chef), learning the specific tasks and techniques required for that particular station, such as saucier, entremetier, or garde manger. The commis supports the chef de partie by completing preparatory tasks, allowing the senior chef to focus on more complex cooking and oversight. This structured progression is crucial for culinary training and career advancement in professional kitchens.

The role of a commis is typically the first step in a culinary career. After gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating proficiency in various basic skills, a commis can advance to a 'chef de partie' position. From there, further progression can lead to roles such as 'sous chef,' and eventually, 'executive chef' or 'head chef.' This upward mobility is contingent upon dedication, continuous learning, mastering new techniques, and developing leadership qualities within the kitchen environment.

Test Yourself

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Le nouveau ____ aide le chef à préparer les légumes.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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En tant que ____, il a appris toutes les bases de la cuisine.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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Le jeune ____ rêve de devenir un grand chef un jour.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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