How to Say 'I Am Allergic to Peanuts' in Mandarin Chinese
Learn to state a peanut allergy in Mandarin, ask if a dish contains peanuts, and understand why this is different from a gluten-free request.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
If you have a peanut allergy, you need to tell people clearly in Mandarin. The key sentence is 我对花生过敏 (wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn), meaning 'I am allergic to peanuts.' This lesson teaches you that pattern, how to ask whether food contains peanuts, and how to explain that your reaction is immune-related. It is not the same as asking for gluten-free food, which is often about digestion or preference. You will practice short, direct phrases that work in restaurants, at friends' homes, and when shopping.
By the end, you can…
- say 'I am allergic to peanuts' in Mandarin.
- ask 'Does this contain peanuts?'
- explain that my reaction is an immune reaction, not a dietary preference.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
我对花生过敏。
I am allergic to peanuts.
wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn
Use this as your main warning. 对 (duì) marks the thing you react to; 过敏 (guòmǐn) means 'allergic'.
我不能吃花生。
I cannot eat peanuts.
wǒ bù néng chī huāshēng
A simple, firm statement. It does not explain why, but it is easy to understand.
这个菜里有花生吗？
Does this dish contain peanuts?
zhège cài lǐ yǒu huāshēng ma
Use 里 (lǐ) for 'in/inside' and 吗 (ma) to make a yes/no question. Point to the dish if needed.
我吃了花生会过敏。
If I eat peanuts, I will have an allergic reaction.
wǒ chī le huāshēng huì guòmǐn
This explains the consequence. 会 (huì) shows a likely result.
这是免疫反应，不是忌口。
This is an immune reaction, not a dietary restriction.
zhè shì miǎnyì fǎnyìng, bù shì jìkǒu
Use this to distinguish allergy from preference. 忌口 (jìkǒu) means avoiding certain foods for health or other reasons.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern is 我对 + [allergen] + 过敏. For example, 我对花生过敏 (I am allergic to peanuts), 我对牛奶过敏 (I am allergic to milk), 我对海鲜过敏 (I am allergic to seafood). To ask about a dish, use [dish] + 里有 + [allergen] + 吗？ For example, 这个汤里有花生吗？ (Does this soup contain peanuts?) To state the consequence, use 我吃了 + [allergen] + 会 + [reaction]. For example, 我吃了花生会过敏 (If I eat peanuts, I will have an allergic reaction).
When to use it
Use 我对花生过敏 when you need to warn someone clearly. Use 这个菜里有花生吗？ before ordering or eating. If someone offers you food, say 我不能吃花生 (I cannot eat peanuts). If they think you are just picky, add 这是免疫反应，不是忌口 (This is an immune reaction, not a dietary restriction). In China, peanut oil (花生油) is common, so also ask 用花生油做的吗？ (Is it made with peanut oil?).
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
服务员，这个菜里有花生吗？
Waiter, does this dish contain peanuts?fúwùyuán, zhège cài lǐ yǒu huāshēng ma有，这个菜里有花生。
Yes, this dish contains peanuts.yǒu, zhège cài lǐ yǒu huāshēng我对花生过敏，我不能吃。
I am allergic to peanuts, I cannot eat it.wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn, wǒ bù néng chī好的，我给您换一个菜。
Okay, I will change to another dish for you.hǎo de, wǒ gěi nín huàn yí ge càiA little context goes a long way
In mainland China, peanut oil is widely used, so saying 我对花生过敏 may not be enough. Ask 用花生油做的吗？ (Is it made with peanut oil?). Also, 忌口 (jìkǒu) is often used for dietary restrictions due to health, religion, or preference. If you say 我忌口花生, some may think it is a choice, not a medical allergy. To be clear, say 我对花生过敏，是免疫反应 (I am allergic to peanuts, it is an immune reaction).
One thing to watch for
Saying 我是花生过敏 (wǒ shì huāshēng guòmǐn) to mean 'I am allergic to peanuts.'
Try this instead: The correct pattern is 我对花生过敏 (wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn). 是 (shì) links nouns, but 过敏 is a verb/adjective here, so use 对 to mark the allergen. For example, say 我对花生过敏, not 我是花生过敏.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'I am allergic to peanuts' in Mandarin?
Show a sample answer
我对花生过敏。
This uses the pattern 我对 + allergen + 过敏. It is the standard way to state an allergy.
2Ask if a dish contains peanuts.
Show a sample answer
这个菜里有花生吗？
This uses 里有 (contains) and 吗 (question particle). You can replace 这个菜 with any dish name.
3Explain that your reaction is an immune reaction, not a dietary restriction.
Show a sample answer
这是免疫反应，不是忌口。
This distinguishes a medical allergy from a preference. 免疫反应 means immune reaction; 忌口 means dietary restriction.
Use 我对花生过敏 to state your allergy, 这个菜里有花生吗？ to ask about food, and 这是免疫反应，不是忌口 to clarify it is not a preference.
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