A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm allergic to penicillin" in Italian
Essential phrase for anyone with a penicillin allergy to communicate their medical condition clearly in Italy.
Sono allergico/a alla penicillina.
SOH-noh al-LER-jee-koh/kah lal-leh-nee-CHEE-nahneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this immediately when a doctor, pharmacist, or anyone preparing food asks about allergies. It's crucial information for your safety.
Alternatives
- Ho un'allergia alla penicillina.Slightly more formal, emphasizes the existence of the allergy.
- Non posso prendere la penicillina.More direct, focuses on the inability to take the medication.
Ways to get it wrong
Allergico vs. Allergia
Remember to use 'allergico' (masculine) or 'allergica' (feminine) when describing yourself, not just 'allergia'.
Pronouncing 'c' in 'penicillina'
The 'c' before 'i' sounds like 'ch' in 'cheese', not 'k' as in 'cat'.
A small cultural note
Italians are generally very health-conscious and will take allergies seriously. Don't hesitate to state yours clearly.
Frequently asked
How to say I am allergic to something else in Italian?
Simply replace 'alla penicillina' with 'a' followed by the allergen, for example, 'Sono allergico/a alla frutta secca' for nuts.
What if I don't know the Italian word for my allergen?
You can try showing the allergen itself or its packaging, or use a translation app to find the word.
Do I need to say 'allergico' or 'allergica'?
Yes, you must match the adjective to your gender. 'Allergico' is for males, and 'allergica' is for females.
