What does it mean word for word?
The term frutos secos literally translates to "dry fruits" and is the standard way to refer to nuts in Spanish.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Depending on the region, the word for "nuts" may change. In Argentina, you might say frutos secos for nuts. In Spain, you could say frutos de cáscara instead of frutos secos for nuts. In Mexico, you might refer to nuts as nueces.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the person being described: use alérgica a los frutos secos if the person is female, and use alérgicos a los frutos secos when referring to a group of people.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the preposition de when expressing an allergy. English speakers often mistakenly use the preposition de instead of a when saying they are allergic to something, such as alérgico de nueces.
Did you know?
- The word alérgico comes from the Greek word érgon, which means 'work' or 'action', implying a bodily reaction or 'work' occurring in response to a stimulus.
- Because frutos secos is such a broad category, people with severe allergies often list specific items like cacahuetes for peanuts and almendras for almonds to ensure safety.
- The term frutos secos can be ambiguous because in some Spanish-speaking countries, it includes not just tree nuts but also dried fruits like apricots and raisins.
Examples in context
- ¡Ayuda! Soy alérgico/a a los frutos secos y necesito asistencia médica.Help! I am allergic to nuts and need medical assistance.
- ¿Podrías asegurarte de que esta comida no contenga frutos secos? Tengo una alergia muy grave.Could you please make sure this food doesn't contain nuts? I have a severe allergy.
- Soy alérgico a los frutos secos.I am allergic to nuts.
- ¿Es alérgico a los frutos secos el cliente?Is the customer allergic to nuts?
- No puedo comer esto porque soy alérgico a los frutos secos.I cannot eat this because I am allergic to nuts.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are ordering food at a restaurant.
- DanielHola, ¿tienen platos sin nueces?Hello, do you have dishes without nuts?
- LucíaSí, pero ¿por qué lo pregunta?Yes, but why do you ask?
- DanielEs que mi amigo es alérgico a los frutos secos.It's because my friend is allergic to nuts.
- LucíaNo se preocupe, avisaremos al chef.Don't worry, we will inform the chef.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, alérgico, los, CC BY-SA 4.0.
