Spanish Phrase
Tengo alergia a los mariscos.
Meaning
The sentence means 'I am allergic to seafood.' It states a personal health condition, using the verb 'tener' to indicate that the speaker possesses the allergy.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform someone—like a waiter, doctor, or new acquaintances—about your dietary restriction due to a seafood allergy.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengoalergiaalosmariscos
Verb Tener (present)
Use 'tener' + noun to express possession or a state, e.g., 'tengo' means 'I have'.
Noun Gender & Number
'Alergia' is a feminine singular noun, so the article 'una' is omitted when stating the condition directly.
Preposition 'a' for Allergies
When talking about what you are allergic to, use 'a' followed by the object, e.g., 'alergia a los mariscos'.
Definite Article 'los'
'Los' indicates that you refer to seafood in general, not a specific type.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedes comer camarones?
Can you eat shrimp?
No, tengo alergia a los mariscos.
No, I'm allergic to seafood.
✕Common Mistakes
Tengo alergia a los marisco.
The noun 'marisco' must be plural with the article 'los' because you refer to seafood in general.
Tengo alergia con los mariscos.
Use the preposition 'a' (to) for allergies, not 'con' (with).
Soy alergia a los mariscos.
Use the verb 'ser' only for permanent traits; allergies are expressed with 'tener' or 'ser alérgico/a'.
↔Alternatives
Soy alérgico/a a los mariscos.
I am allergic to seafood.
Tengo una alergia a los mariscos.
I have an allergy to seafood.
Me da alergia el marisco.
Seafood gives me an allergic reaction.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, it’s common to mention allergies early in a restaurant setting, especially when ordering. Saying 'tengo alergia a los mariscos' is clear and polite; you can also ask, '¿Este plato lleva mariscos?' to double‑check ingredients.