Japanese Vocabulary: Allergies and Other Food Issues

When eating in Japan, you may need to explain a food allergy, intolerance, religious restriction or preference. This article gives vocabulary and questions for discussing ingredients and preparation.

Many people are allergic to certain foods, have intolerances and painful reactions to certain ingredients or just don’t like certain types of dishes. If you are studying Japanese, most textbooks will have a food and restaurant section with vocabulary for ordering or buying foods but the specific language for expressing your dietary needs might be lacking.

So hopefully this article will help you learn some important phrases and vocabulary you need to ensure you can receive food that is proper for you.

Japanese Vocabulary and Phrases for Food Allergies

Food allergies involve an immune reaction and can be serious. Learn the name of your allergen and state it clearly. Shellfish needs a precise description: 貝類 refers to mollusks, while エビ and カニ mean shrimp and crab. A general ingredient question does not confirm whether preparation is free from cross-contact.

Common food allergens include peanuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy and certain seafood. Learn the exact Japanese name for the foods you need to avoid.

For this reason, you might want to learn and remember the Japanese words for products that you are allergic to as well as the symptoms.  Here is a list of important vocabulary:

And if you would like to explain you have an allergy and ask if something contains a specific product you can say:

How to Talk About Your Food Intolerance in Japanese

Food intolerance differs from food allergy and often causes digestive symptoms, but the required avoidance depends on the diagnosed condition. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, distinct from wheat allergy and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Do not infer your diagnosis or a safe quantity from this vocabulary list.

Lactose intolerance is one example. Other ingredients may cause symptoms for some people, but conditions and triggers vary. Use the specific terms your clinician has explained to you.

Symptoms can include abdominal discomfort, bloating or nausea. These words describe symptoms; they do not establish what caused them.

Dishes may contain ingredients that are difficult to identify visually, including stock, sauces and seasonings. Ask about your particular dietary restriction rather than assuming every pickled food has the same ingredients or that histamine intolerance is a food allergy.

So knowing the words of these intolerances and how to ask if a food contains them is a good idea.

Japanese Vocabulary for Food Preferences

And finally, you might not be allergic or intolerant to food but you just might have specific preferences that you have. Certain food you often avoid whether it be for religious reasons, health reasons or personal taste. Certain meats or vegetables or seasonings might not sit right with you or your palate.

For that reason, you might want to ask what a specific dish includes, whether you can get the meal minus that ingredient or if you can replace it with something else you prefer. Knowing how to express your preferences in Japanese would be helpful for the person making your meal to ensure you have a positive dining experience in Japan.

Here are some important phrases you can use when asking or stating your food preferences.

Some Useful Phrases to Use

As you can see, the more vocabulary you can learn, the easier it is to adjust the phrases and ask about food and its suitability to you and your needs. The phrases can be adjusted to fit the type of food or allergy or intolerance you have and a lot of the words are similar in English with a slight change in pronunciation.

When you have a diagnosed allergy or dietary restriction, choose food that fits your care plan and make the restriction clear before ordering. You can show a written Japanese allergy card and ask staff to check ingredients and preparation. If they cannot confirm, an ingredient phrase alone is not evidence that the meal is suitable.

Hopefully, this gave you a good idea of how to express yourself and your needs in Japanese in terms of food issues. Make sure to keep studying and increasing your Japanese skills so you can have smooth and effective communication with Japanese people.

Clarifying preparation

These are communication phrases. In Japan, the emergency ambulance number is 119. For a severe reaction, follow your prescribed emergency plan and seek urgent help.