Spanish Phrase
Tengo una alergia muy fuerte a los frutos secos.
Meaning
This phrase directly translates to "I have a very strong allergy to nuts." It's a crucial statement for communicating a severe dietary restriction. The term "frutos secos" generally refers to tree nuts and peanuts, encompassing a wide range of common allergens.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform someone, such as restaurant staff, friends, or medical professionals, about a severe nut allergy. It's essential in situations where food is being prepared or consumed, or when discussing your health history.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tengounaalergiamuyfuertealosfrutossecos
Tener (Tengo)
The verb "tener" means "to have." It's used for possessions, age, and many physical conditions or states, including allergies. "Tengo" is the first-person singular conjugation, meaning "I have."
Una alergia
"Alergia" is a feminine noun meaning "allergy." "Una" is the indefinite article for feminine singular nouns, meaning "a" or "an."
Muy fuerte
"Muy" means "very," and "fuerte" means "strong." Together, they emphasize the severity of the allergy. Adjectives like "fuerte" typically follow the noun they describe in Spanish.
A los frutos secos
The preposition "a" means "to" or "at" and is correctly used here to indicate the object of the allergy. "Los frutos secos" literally means "the dry fruits" but is the standard term for "nuts" (including tree nuts and peanuts) in this context.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué te gustaría pedir?
What would you like to order?
Tengo una alergia muy fuerte a los frutos secos. ¿Este plato contiene alguno?
I have a very strong allergy to nuts. Does this dish contain any?
✕Common Mistakes
Soy una alergia a los frutos secos.
In Spanish, you use "tener" (to have) for conditions like allergies, not "ser" (to be). You "have" an allergy, you are not "an allergy".
Tengo una alergia muy fuerte con los frutos secos.
The correct preposition to use with allergies is "a" (to), not "con" (with).
Tengo una alergia muy fuerte a las nueces.
While "nueces" means walnuts, "frutos secos" is the broader and more commonly understood term for a general nut allergy, including peanuts and other tree nuts. Using "nueces" might be too specific if you're allergic to all nuts.
↔Alternatives
Soy alérgico/a a los frutos secos.
I am allergic to nuts.
No puedo comer frutos secos.
I cannot eat nuts.
Tengo una alergia grave a los frutos secos.
I have a severe allergy to nuts.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking countries, especially when dining out, it's highly recommended to clearly state any severe allergies. While awareness is growing, it might not be as universally understood or accommodated as in some other regions. Be prepared to explain further or ask specific questions about ingredients, as cross-contamination can be a concern. Carrying a small card with your allergy information in Spanish can also be very helpful.