Saying what you can't eat in French

1. 1
   allergie/alɛʁʒi/

   allergynoun

   A reaction of the body to something it can't tolerate.
2. 2
   allergique/alɛʁʒik/

   allergicadjective

   Having an allergy.
3. 3
   intolérance/ɛ̃tɔleʁɑ̃s/

   intolerancenoun

   The body's difficulty in tolerating a substance.
4. 4

   glutengluten

5. 5

   cacahuètepeanut

6. 6

   crustacécrustacean

7. 7

   contenirto contain

8. 8

   éviterto avoid

9. 9

   supporterto tolerate

10. 10

    remplacerto replace

The sentences3 of 10

1. J'ai une allergie aux fruits à coque.

   I have a tree nut allergy.

2. Mon fils est allergique au lait de vache.

   My son is allergic to cow's milk.

3. J'ai une intolérance au lactose, pas de fromage.

   I'm lactose intolerant, so no cheese.

Pronunciation

• allergie/alɛʁʒi/

  The g is soft, like the 's' in 'measure'.

• intolérance/ɛ̃tɔleʁɑ̃s/

  The start "in" is said as in "vin", without sounding the n.

Good to know

service compris

In France, service is included in the prices listed on the menu. You don't need to add anything for the waiter.

pourboire

Leaving a tip is optional, and a few coins are often enough if you were happy with the service. Nothing is expected.

menu

Le menu is a fixed-price set meal, not the list of dishes, which is called la carte. To find out the ingredients, ask the waiter.

carafe d'eau

You can ask for a carafe d'eau, which is usually served free with the meal.

Questions

What is the difference between allergique and intolérance in French?

Allergique means having an allergy, as in "Mon fils est allergique au lait de vache." Intolérance is the body having difficulty with a substance, as in "J'ai une intolérance au lactose."