A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm allergic to nuts" in Italian
Essential phrase for anyone with a nut allergy when dining out in Italy.
Sono allergico/a alle noci.
SOH-noh al-LEHR-jee-koh/kah ahl-LEH NOH-cheeneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when ordering food or when discussing ingredients with restaurant staff. It's crucial to state this clearly before you eat anything.
Alternatives
- Ho un'allergia alle noci.Slightly more formal, emphasizes the condition itself.
- Non posso mangiare noci.More direct, meaning 'I cannot eat nuts'.
Ways to get it wrong
Allergic vs. Allergico/a
Remember to use the Italian adjective 'allergico' (masculine) or 'allergica' (feminine) with 'sono'.
Noci vs. Noce
Use the plural 'noci' when referring to nuts in general, as you're allergic to the category.
A small cultural note
While many Italians are aware of common allergies, it's always best to be explicit. Some traditional dishes might contain nuts, so vigilance is key.
Frequently asked
How to say I'm allergic to peanuts in Italian?
To specify peanuts, say 'Sono allergico/a alle arachidi.' Arachidi is the Italian word for peanuts.
What if I'm allergic to other nuts like almonds or pistachios?
You can say 'Sono allergico/a alle mandorle' for almonds or 'Sono allergico/a ai pistacchi' for pistachios. Just replace 'noci' with the specific nut.
Should I say this to the waiter or the chef?
It's best to inform your waiter, who can then relay the information to the kitchen. They are trained to handle such requests.
