Portuguese Phrase
Tenho alergia a mariscos.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘I am allergic to shellfish.’ It states a medical condition that prevents the speaker from eating or being around certain seafood.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform a waiter, a doctor, a host, or a new acquaintance about a food restriction. It’s especially handy in restaurants, travel situations, or medical appointments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenhoalergiaamariscos
Ter (Tenho)
‘Ter’ is an irregular verb meaning ‘to have’; ‘Tenho’ is the first‑person singular present form.
Alergia
A feminine noun meaning ‘allergy’; it does not change with the verb ‘ter’.
Preposition a
The preposition ‘a’ introduces the cause or trigger of the allergy.
Mariscos (plural)
Plural form of ‘marisco’ (seafood, shellfish). In Portuguese the plural ends in –s.
🗨In Conversation
Você tem alguma restrição alimentar?
Do you have any dietary restrictions?
Tenho alergia a mariscos.
I’m allergic to shellfish.
✕Common Mistakes
Alérgico a mariscos.
‘Alérgico’ is an adjective; you need the verb ‘ser’ (Sou alérgico) or the noun ‘alergia’ with ‘ter’ (Tenho alergia).
Tenho alergia a marisco.
If you’re talking about all shellfish, use the plural ‘mariscos’; the singular refers to one type of shellfish.
Tenho alergia mariscos.
Do not omit the preposition ‘a’; it links the allergy to its trigger.
↔Alternatives
Sou alérgico(a) a mariscos.
I’m allergic to shellfish.
Tenho reação alérgica a frutos do mar.
I have an allergic reaction to seafood.
Não posso comer mariscos por causa de alergia.
I can’t eat shellfish because of an allergy.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, many coastal regions serve dishes with shrimp, mussels, and other shellfish. It’s common for menus to have a small ‘⚠️’ icon next to items that contain mariscos. When you say ‘Tenho alergia a mariscos,’ staff will usually ask you what symptoms you experience and may suggest alternative dishes. In formal settings, it’s polite to say ‘Sou alérgico(a)’ rather than just ‘Tenho alergia.’