je suis allergique aux fruits à coque
To say "I have a nut allergy" in French, you say je suis allergique aux fruits à coque.
This phrase is used to inform others that eating nuts causes an allergic reaction. In a medical or food labeling context, the term fruits à coque is the standard, precise term used to refer to all types of nuts with shells.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je suis allergique aux fruits à coque literally translates to "I am allergic to nuts" rather than "I have a nut allergy".
Did you know?
- The word coque originally comes from the Latin 'coccum', which meant 'berry'. It evolved from describing a fruit's structure to the shell itself.
- In France, food allergens are strictly regulated by law, and fruits à coque is the specific legal term required on ingredient labels.
- If you use the word noix to mean 'nuts' in general, a French speaker might think you are only allergic to walnuts.
Examples in context
- Attention, je suis allergique aux fruits à coque.Watch out, I am allergic to nuts.
Example conversation
Nathan is serving dessert at a restaurant to Manon.
- ManonEst-ce qu'il y a des amandes dans ce dessert ?Are there almonds in this dessert?
- NathanOui, il y en a un peu.Yes, there are a few.
- ManonD'accord, je ne peux pas en manger car je suis allergique aux fruits à coque.Okay, I cannot eat them because I have a nut allergy.
- NathanJe comprends, Manon, je vais vous apporter autre chose.I understand, Manon, I will bring you something else.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries allergique, aux, coque, je, suis, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
