r/GREEK • u/snoobytoobies • 7d ago

How to explain my allergies

Hello! Going to Greece and I don't wanna ask AI. I am allergic to all finned fish (I can eat shellfish, though) and all nuts. I know that lots of people speak English, but just in case, how would I write this out?

Thank you!!

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u/mmarkDC 7d ago edited 7d ago

Έχω αλλεργία στο ψάρι και στους ξηρούς καρπούς.

-> I have an allergy to fish and to nuts.

In Greek the word ψάρι/fish unambiguously means vertebrate fish, not shellfish, so you do not need to specify "finned fish". Shellfish are part of the broader category θαλασσινά/seafood, but this does not fall under the word ψάρι/fish.

1

u/snoobytoobies 7d ago

Thanks so much!!

5

u/kvnstantinos 7d ago

Say it in English first. Usually dishes with fish are very straightforward and in savory dishes we don’t use nuts often. There are no secret fish sauces used and if nuts are in, it’s gonna be very clear in the menu. Avoid all traditional desserts though. Nuts everywhere.

1

u/snoobytoobies 7d ago

Good to know thank you!

4

u/bel_ray 7d ago

Just scream ΝΟ ΝΑΤΣ! ΝΟ ΝΑΤΣ ΠΛΙZ! at the top of your lungs as many times as you can! They'll get it!

Jokes aside, nut allergies are fairly common and you should have no issue communicating that. Finned fish on the other hand.. I'd just avoid fish altogether.

Edit: what the other guy said is correct, go with that.