How to Say 'I Am Allergic to Peanuts' in Italian: Elementary Lesson
Learn to state specific food allergies in Italian, focusing on immune reactions like peanuts, and distinguish from gluten-free dietary needs.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When traveling or eating in Italy, it's crucial to communicate food allergies clearly. This lesson teaches you how to say 'I am allergic to peanuts' in Italian, using the correct phrase 'Sono allergico/a alle arachidi.' You'll learn to specify any allergen, understand the difference between an allergy and a dietary preference like gluten-free, and practice a short dialogue. By the end, you'll be able to confidently inform others of your allergy.
By the end, you can…
- state that I am allergic to a specific food in Italian.
- ask if a dish contains a particular allergen.
- distinguish between an allergy and a dietary preference in conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Sono allergico alle arachidi.
I am allergic to peanuts. (said by a male)
SOH-noh al-LEHR-jee-koh AL-leh ah-RAH-kee-dee
Use if you are male. 'Allergico' agrees with the speaker's gender.
Sono allergica alle arachidi.
I am allergic to peanuts. (said by a female)
SOH-noh al-LEHR-jee-kah AL-leh ah-RAH-kee-dee
Use if you are female. The ending changes to -a.
Questo piatto contiene arachidi?
Does this dish contain peanuts?
KWEH-stoh PYAHT-toh con-TEH-neh ah-RAH-kee-dee
A direct question to ask about a specific dish.
Ho un'allergia alimentare.
I have a food allergy.
oh oon al-lehr-JEE-ah ah-lee-men-TAH-reh
General statement to explain your condition.
Senza glutine, per favore.
Gluten-free, please.
SEN-tsah GLOO-tee-neh, per fah-VOH-reh
Used for gluten-free dietary needs, not an allergy. Often for celiac disease.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To say you are allergic to something, use 'Sono allergico/a a' + the allergen. The preposition 'a' combines with the definite article: 'a' + 'le' = 'alle' for plural feminine nouns like 'arachidi' (peanuts). For example: 'Sono allergico alle noci' (I am allergic to nuts), 'Sono allergica al latte' (I am allergic to milk; 'a' + 'il' = 'al'). The adjective 'allergico' must agree with your gender: -o for male, -a for female.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you need to inform restaurant staff, friends, or hosts about a food allergy. It's important to specify the allergen clearly. For example, at a restaurant: 'Sono allergico alle arachidi. Questo piatto le contiene?' (I am allergic to peanuts. Does this dish contain them?). Note that a gluten-free request ('senza glutine') is different: it's often for celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder, not an allergy. However, both require strict avoidance. Always communicate your needs clearly.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Buonasera, avete piatti senza arachidi? Sono allergico.
Good evening, do you have dishes without peanuts? I am allergic.bwoh-nah-SEH-rah, ah-VEH-teh PYAHT-tee SEN-tsah ah-RAH-kee-dee? SOH-noh al-LEHR-jee-kohSì, il pollo alla griglia non contiene arachidi. Ma il satay sì.
Yes, the grilled chicken does not contain peanuts. But the satay does.see, eel POL-loh AL-lah GREEL-yah non con-TEH-neh ah-RAH-kee-dee. mah eel sah-TAHY seeAllora prendo il pollo. Grazie. È sicuro per me?
Then I'll have the chicken. Thank you. Is it safe for me?al-LOH-rah PREHN-doh eel POL-loh. GRAH-tsyeh. eh see-KOO-roh per mehSì, è preparato senza arachidi. Buon appetito!
Yes, it is prepared without peanuts. Enjoy your meal!see, eh preh-pah-RAH-toh SEN-tsah ah-RAH-kee-dee. bwon ahp-peh-TEE-tohA little context goes a long way
In Italy, awareness of food allergies is growing, but cross-contamination may still be a risk in some kitchens. It's advisable to clearly state your allergy and ask about ingredients. The term 'allergia' is used for immune reactions, while 'intolleranza' is for non-immune reactions like lactose intolerance. For celiac disease, 'celiaco/a' is used, and many restaurants offer gluten-free options. Always communicate your needs directly.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Sono allergico di arachidi' (I am allergic of peanuts).
Try this instead: The correct preposition is 'a', not 'di'. So say 'Sono allergico alle arachidi.' Remember to combine 'a' with the article: 'alle' for plural feminine nouns.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would a female say 'I am allergic to peanuts' in Italian?
Show a sample answer
Sono allergica alle arachidi.
The adjective 'allergica' ends in -a to agree with a female speaker. 'Alle arachidi' means 'to peanuts'.
2Translate: 'Does this dish contain peanuts?'
Show a sample answer
Questo piatto contiene arachidi?
This is a straightforward question. Alternatively, you could ask 'Ci sono arachidi in questo piatto?' (Are there peanuts in this dish?).
3What is the difference between 'allergia' and 'intolleranza'?
Show a sample answer
'Allergia' refers to an immune reaction, while 'intolleranza' refers to a non-immune reaction, such as lactose intolerance.
This distinction is important for accurate communication. Allergies can be severe, while intolerances are often less immediate.
Use 'Sono allergico/a alle arachidi' to state a peanut allergy. Remember gender agreement and the preposition 'a'. Always clarify your allergy when eating out.
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