A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm allergic to penicillin" in French
Essential phrase to inform medical professionals about a critical penicillin allergy in France.
Je suis allergique à la pénicilline.
zhuh swee ah-LEHR-zheek ah lah peh-nee-see-LEENneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this immediately when a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist asks about allergies, or if you're filling out a medical form. It's crucial for your safety in any healthcare setting.
Alternatives
- J'ai une allergie à la pénicilline.Slightly more common in everyday speech.
- Je fais une réaction à la pénicilline.Emphasizes that you react badly to it.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'suis'
The 's' in 'suis' is pronounced, so it's 'swee', not 'see'.
Silent 'e' in 'pénicilline'
The final 'e' in 'pénicilline' is pronounced, so it's 'leen', not 'lin'.
Misplacing 'à'
You need 'à' (to) before the substance you're allergic to; 'Je suis allergique à la pénicilline.'
A small cultural note
While penicillin is the most common example, French doctors may ask about other specific medications. Be prepared to name them if necessary.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I'm allergic to something else?
Simply replace 'la pénicilline' with the name of the substance. For example, 'Je suis allergique aux fruits de mer' for shellfish.
What if I don't know the French word for my allergy?
Try to write it down clearly or show the packaging if possible. A picture on your phone can also be very helpful.
Do I need to say this to a pharmacist?
Yes, especially if you are getting a prescription filled or asking for advice on medication. It's important for them to know.
