"I Have an Allergy": Crucial Phrases for Safe Dining in Japan
Dining out is one of the biggest highlights of a trip to Japan, but for travelers with food allergies, it can also be a source of anxiety. Communication is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable meal, but explaining complex dietary restrictions in a foreign language can be difficult.
Japanese restaurant staff are known for their excellent service and will often go to great lengths to accommodate your needs if they understand them. The key is to communicate your situation clearly and simply.
This guide provides the most crucial, easy-to-use Japanese phrases for explaining your food allergies. We recommend writing these down or saving them on your phone to show the restaurant staff.
1. The Most Important Phrase: "I have an allergy."
This is the first and most vital sentence. It clearly states your situation. You can say this when making a reservation or upon being seated at the restaurant.
Stating Your Allergy:
[Allergen] のアレルギーがあります。
([Allergen] no arerugī ga arimasu.)
"I have a [Allergen] allergy."
Simply replace `[Allergen]` with the food you are allergic to. Here are the Japanese names for common allergens:
| Allergen in English | Japanese | Romaji |
|---|---|---|
| Peanuts | ピーナッツ | pīnattsu |
| Eggs | 卵 | tamago |
| Milk | 牛乳 | gyūnyū |
| Wheat | 小麦 | komugi |
| Shrimp | えび | ebi |
| Crab | カニ | kani |
| Buckwheat | そば | soba |
2. Asking if a Dish Contains an Allergen
When looking at a menu, you may want to ask about a specific dish.
You (pointing at a menu item):
これには [Allergen] が入っていますか？
(Kore ni wa [Allergen] ga haitte imasu ka?)
"Does this contain [Allergen]?"
3. Making a Clear Request
To be absolutely safe, it's best to make a clear request to exclude the allergen from your food.
The "Please Remove" Phrase:
[Allergen] を抜いてもらえますか？
([Allergen] o nuite moraemasu ka?)
"Could you please remove/leave out the [Allergen]?"
For Severe Allergies:
If your allergy is severe, it's crucial to be explicit. You can add this sentence:
醤油やドレッシングもダメです。
(Shōyu ya doresshingu mo dame desu.)
"Soy sauce and dressings are also not okay."
4. Using an Allergy Card
The best strategy for travelers is to prepare an "allergy card" in Japanese. This is a small card that clearly explains your allergies and what you cannot eat. You can create one online before your trip.
When you enter a restaurant, you can simply show the card to the staff and say:
You (showing the card):
これを読んでもらえますか？
(Kore o yonde moraemasu ka?)
"Could you please read this?"
Conclusion
Communicating a food allergy is a serious matter, and being prepared with these key phrases can make a huge difference. Japanese people are generally very careful and considerate when it comes to food safety.
Don't let allergies stop you from enjoying Japan's incredible cuisine. Plan ahead, communicate clearly using these phrases, and you can have a delicious and worry-free dining experience.