If you’re planning a trip to Japan or simply want to express your dietary restrictions in Japanese, it’s important to know how to communicate your allergies. In this guide, we’ll provide you with various expressions to say “I am allergic to shellfish” in both formal and informal ways. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
When communicating your allergies in more formal situations, such as in a restaurant or when talking to someone unfamiliar, you can use the following phrases:
Phrase 1: わたしは甲殻類（こうかくるい）アレルギーです。(Watashi wa kōkakurui arerugī desu.)
This phrase translates directly to “I am allergic to shellfish.” It is a polite and formal way to express your allergy to shellfish.
Phrase 2: 甲殻類（こうかくるい）アレルギーがあります。(Kōkakurui arerugī ga arimasu.)
This expression can also be used in formal settings and it means “I have a shellfish allergy.”
Informal Expressions:
When talking to friends, family, or in more casual situations, you can use the following phrases to inform about your shellfish allergy:
Phrase 1: 私（わたし）は甲殻類（こうかくるい）アレルギーだ。(Watashi wa kōkakurui arerugī da.)
This phrase is informal and translates to “I am allergic to shellfish.” It is suitable for use among friends or in casual conversations.
Phrase 2: 甲殻類（こうかくるい）アレルギーがあるんだ。(Kōkakurui arerugī ga arun da.)
This expression is another informal way to convey “I have a shellfish allergy.” It includes the casual sentence-ending particle “んだ (n da).”
Additional Tips:
It’s worth noting that when speaking Japanese, non-verbal communication often plays a vital role in conveying politeness and respect. Therefore, in addition to using the appropriate phrases, it’s important to be polite in your demeanor and tone.
Example Situations:
Let’s explore a few scenarios where you might need to communicate your shellfish allergy in Japanese:
Situation 1: Dining at a restaurant
Waiter: いらっしゃいませ！メニューをご覧になりましたか？（Irasshaimase! Menyū o goran ni narimashita ka?）
Customer: はい、甲殻類アレルギーがありますので、シーフードは避けてください。（Hai, kōkakurui arerugī ga arimasu node, shīfūdo wa sakete kudasai.）
Waiter: 了解いたしました。何か他の料理をお楽しみいただけます。（Ryōkai itashimashita. Nani ka hoka no ryōri o otanoshimi itadakemasu.）
Situation 2: Talking to friends
Friend: 最近、新しいレストランがオープンしたんだって！行きたい？（Saikin, atarashii resutoran ga ōpun shita n datte! Ikitai?）
You: いいね、でも私甲殻類アレルギーだから、シーフードがあるか確認しよう。（Ī ne, demo watashi kōkakurui arerugī dakara, shīfūdo ga aru ka kakunin shiyō.）
Friend: 心配しなくて大丈夫！きっと選択肢があるよ。（Shinpai shinakute daijōbu! Kitto sentakushi ga aru yo.）
Regional Variations:
In general, the above phrases are commonly understood throughout Japan. However, there might be slight regional variations or dialects. It’s recommended to stick to the standard expressions provided to ensure clear communication.
Wrap Up:
Understanding how to communicate your shellfish allergy in Japanese can be invaluable during your stay in Japan or when interacting with Japanese speakers. By using the phrases provided in this guide, whether in formal or informal situations, you can convey your dietary restrictions clearly and effectively. Remember to pair your words with a polite demeanor, and enjoy exploring the culinary delights Japan has to offer without any worries about shellfish!
