A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm allergic to nuts" in French
Essential phrase for diners with nut allergies in France. Clearly state your dietary restriction to your server.
Je suis allergique aux noix.
zhuh swee ah-LEHR-zheek oh NWAHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when ordering food at a restaurant or café, or when someone offers you something to eat. It's important to be clear about your allergy to ensure your safety.
Alternatives
- Je fais une allergie aux noix.Slightly more formal, emphasizes the reaction.
- J'ai une allergie aux noix.Common and perfectly acceptable, though 'je suis' is slightly more direct.
Ways to get it wrong
Silent 's' in 'suis'
The 's' in 'suis' is pronounced, unlike many silent 's' endings in French.
Pronouncing 'aux'
'Aux' sounds like 'oh', not 'awks'. It's a contraction of 'à les'.
The French 'R'
Practice the guttural French 'r' sound, made in the back of the throat, for 'allergique' and 'noix'.
A small cultural note
While nut allergies are taken seriously, it's always good to double-check with your server, as ingredients can sometimes be a surprise, even in dishes that don't seem like they'd contain nuts.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What if I'm allergic to peanuts specifically?
You would say 'Je suis allergique aux cacahuètes.' 'Cacahuètes' refers to peanuts.
How do I ask if a dish contains nuts?
You can ask 'Est-ce qu'il y a des noix dans ce plat ?' This translates to 'Are there nuts in this dish?'
Is it okay to just say 'allergique aux noix'?
While understandable, it's better to use the full sentence 'Je suis allergique aux noix' for clarity and politeness.
