How to Say 'I Am Lactose Intolerant' in French and Explain the Symptoms
Learn to say 'Je suis intolérant au lactose' and describe digestive symptoms in French, distinguishing intolerance from allergy.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
If you need to tell someone in French that you are lactose intolerant, the key phrase is 'Je suis intolérant au lactose' (for a man) or 'Je suis intolérante au lactose' (for a woman). This lesson teaches you that phrase and how to explain what happens when you consume dairy. It also helps you distinguish lactose intolerance from a milk allergy, which is important because the two are different conditions. You will learn to talk about digestive symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, and to ask about lactose-free options. The focus is on polite, clear communication in everyday situations such as restaurants, cafés, or when someone offers you food.
By the end, you can…
- state that I am lactose intolerant in French, using the correct masculine or feminine form.
- describe common digestive symptoms caused by lactose intolerance in French.
- distinguish between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy when speaking French.
- ask whether a dish or drink contains lactose and request a lactose-free alternative.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je suis intolérant au lactose.
I am lactose intolerant. (said by a man)
zhuh swee an-to-lay-RAHN oh lak-TOHSS
Use this if you are male. The adjective 'intolérant' agrees with the masculine subject.
Je suis intolérante au lactose.
I am lactose intolerant. (said by a woman)
zhuh swee an-to-lay-RAHNT oh lak-TOHSS
Use this if you are female. The adjective adds an -e in the feminine form.
Quand je consomme des produits laitiers, j'ai des ballonnements et des gaz.
When I consume dairy products, I get bloating and gas.
kahn zhuh kohn-sohm day proh-DWEE lay-TYAY, zhay day bah-lohn-MAHN ay day GAHZ
This describes common digestive symptoms. 'Ballonnements' means bloating; 'gaz' means gas.
J'ai la diarrhée.
I have diarrhea.
zhay lah dyah-RAY
A direct way to mention diarrhea. It is acceptable in medical or necessary contexts, though some may find it blunt.
Est-ce que ce plat contient du lactose ?
Does this dish contain lactose?
ess-kuh suh plah kohn-TYAN dew lak-TOHSS
Use this question in a restaurant to ask about a specific dish. 'Plat' means dish.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To describe a condition, use 'Je suis' + adjective + 'à' or 'au' + noun. For lactose intolerance, say 'Je suis intolérant(e) au lactose.' The preposition 'à' contracts with 'le' to form 'au'. For other intolerances, you might say 'Je suis intolérant(e) au gluten' (gluten) or 'Je suis intolérant(e) aux fruits de mer' (seafood; 'à les' becomes 'aux'). The adjective must agree in gender and number: 'intolérant' (masculine singular), 'intolérante' (feminine singular), 'intolérants' (masculine plural), 'intolérantes' (feminine plural).
When to use it
Use these phrases when you need to explain your dietary needs to a host, waiter, or doctor. For example, at a restaurant: 'Je suis intolérant au lactose. Est-ce que la soupe contient de la crème ?' (I am lactose intolerant. Does the soup contain cream?). When someone offers you cheese, you can say: 'Non merci, je suis intolérant au lactose.' If you need to distinguish from an allergy, say: 'Ce n'est pas une allergie, c'est une intolérance. J'ai des problèmes digestifs.' (It's not an allergy, it's an intolerance. I have digestive problems.)
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Bonjour, je voudrais le plat du jour, s'il vous plaît. Est-ce qu'il contient du lactose ?
Hello, I would like the dish of the day, please. Does it contain lactose?bohn-ZHOOR, zhuh voo-DREH luh plah dew ZHOOR, seel voo PLAY. ess-kuh eel kohn-TYAN dew lak-TOHSS?Je ne sais pas, je vais demander en cuisine. Vous êtes allergique ?
I don't know, I'll ask in the kitchen. Are you allergic?zhuh nuh say PAH, zhuh vay duh-mahn-DAY ahn kwee-ZEEN. voo ZET ah-lair-ZHEEK?Non, je suis intolérant au lactose. Ce n'est pas une allergie, mais j'ai des problèmes digestifs.
No, I am lactose intolerant. It's not an allergy, but I have digestive problems.nohn, zhuh swee an-to-lay-RAHN oh lak-TOHSS. suh n'ay pah ewn ah-lair-ZHEE, may zhay day proh-BLEM dee-zhes-TEEFD'accord. Le plat contient de la crème, mais je peux demander sans crème. Ça vous va ?
Okay. The dish contains cream, but I can ask for it without cream. Is that okay with you?dah-KOR. luh plah kohn-TYAN duh lah KREM, may zhuh puh duh-mahn-DAY sahn KREM. sah voo VAH?A little context goes a long way
In France, lactose intolerance is increasingly recognized, but awareness may be lower than in some other countries. When eating out, it's helpful to explain clearly and politely. The term 'intolérant au lactose' is standard. Avoid saying 'allergique au lactose' because lactose is a sugar, not a protein, and true allergies are to milk proteins. If you have a milk allergy, say 'allergique aux protéines de lait' (allergic to milk proteins). In Quebec, the same terms are used, but you might hear 'intolérant au lactose' as well. Politeness is important: use 's'il vous plaît' and 'excusez-moi' when making requests.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Je suis allergique au lactose' when you mean lactose intolerance.
Try this instead: Lactose intolerance is not an allergy. Say 'Je suis intolérant au lactose' instead. For example: 'Je suis intolérant au lactose, donc j'évite les produits laitiers.' (I am lactose intolerant, so I avoid dairy products.)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would a woman say 'I am lactose intolerant' in French?
Show a sample answer
Je suis intolérante au lactose.
The adjective 'intolérante' is the feminine form, agreeing with a female speaker. A man would say 'intolérant'.
2Translate: 'Does this dish contain lactose?'
Show a sample answer
Est-ce que ce plat contient du lactose ?
This is a polite way to ask about a dish. You could also ask 'Ce plat contient-il du lactose ?' but the 'Est-ce que' form is more common in speech.
3What is the difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy in French?
Show a sample answer
Lactose intolerance is 'intolérance au lactose' and involves digestive problems. A milk allergy is 'allergie aux protéines de lait' and can cause severe reactions.
It's important not to confuse the two. Intolerance is digestive; allergy is an immune response. Use the correct term to avoid misunderstanding.
Remember to say 'Je suis intolérant(e) au lactose' and describe your symptoms as digestive, not allergic. Use polite questions to ask about ingredients and request modifications.
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