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알레르기

A2 noun #4,500 most common 7 min read

알레르기

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 알레르기 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 알레르기 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you just need to know that '알레르기' means 'allergy'. You should be able to say '알레르기 있어요' (I have an allergy) or '알레르기 없어요' (I don't have an allergy). This is a survival word. If you are eating in Korea and you are allergic to something, you can point at the food and say '알레르기' with a concerned face, and people will understand. You don't need complex grammar yet. Just remember the pronunciation: Al-le-reu-gi. It sounds a bit like 'allergy' but with four distinct beats. Most A1 learners will use this word to talk about common things like cats (고양이), dogs (강아지), or milk (우유). Focus on the basic 'Noun + 알레르기' structure. For example, '고양이 알레르기' (cat allergy). This simple combination is enough to communicate your basic needs in most social situations in Korea.

At the A2 level, you should start using the particle '가' and the full sentence structure: '저는 [Allergen] 알레르기가 있어요.' You should also be able to ask others, '알레르기 있어요?' (Do you have an allergy?). At this stage, you can begin to learn common allergens in Korean, such as 땅콩 (peanut), 복숭아 (peach), 꽃가루 (pollen), and 먼지 (dust). You might also start to notice the word on food packaging. A2 learners should be able to understand simple signs in restaurants that list allergy information. You can also use the word with the verb '생기다' (to happen/to develop) to say '알레르기가 생겼어요' (I developed an allergy). This level is about moving from single words to complete, simple sentences that help you navigate daily life and health-related conversations more smoothly.

At the B1 level, you can describe your symptoms and the intensity of your allergy. You might use words like '심하다' (to be severe) or '약하다' (to be weak). For example, '알레르기가 심해요' (The allergy is severe). You can also use connecting particles like '때문에' (because of) to explain why you are sneezing or why your skin is itchy: '알레르기 때문에 계속 재채기가 나요' (I keep sneezing because of my allergy). B1 learners should be able to understand the difference between '알레르기' and '감기' (cold) and explain this to a pharmacist. You will also start encountering the word in more varied contexts, like '알레르기 약' (allergy medicine) or '알레르기 반응' (allergic reaction). You should be comfortable discussing your health in a bit more detail, including when the allergy usually occurs, such as '봄에만' (only in spring).

At the B2 level, you should be able to discuss the causes and treatments of allergies. You might use more advanced verbs like '유발하다' (to cause/trigger) or '완화하다' (to alleviate). For example, '이 성분은 알레르기를 유발할 수 있습니다' (This ingredient can trigger an allergy). You can understand medical advice and read more complex labels on medicine or food. B2 learners should also be aware of the figurative use of the word, where someone might say they have an 'allergy' to a certain behavior or situation. You can participate in discussions about environmental issues, like how pollution increases '알레르기 질환' (allergic diseases). Your vocabulary should expand to include related terms like '항히스타민제' (antihistamine) and '면역력' (immunity). You can also distinguish between '알레르기' and '아토피' in a conversation about skin health.

At the C1 level, you can understand and use '알레르기' in professional and academic contexts. You can read news articles about the rising rates of allergies in urban populations or the scientific mechanisms of immune responses. You might use the term '과민 반응' (hypersensitivity) interchangeably with '알레르기' depending on the register. C1 learners can discuss the nuances of allergy testing ('알레르기 검사') and the various types of immunotherapy. You are capable of explaining complex medical histories to a specialist in Korean, using precise terminology to describe the onset, duration, and specific triggers of your condition. You also understand the cultural implications of allergies in Korea, such as the increasing demand for 'allergy-free' products in the food and cosmetic industries, and can debate the necessity of stricter labeling laws.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of the word and its surrounding discourse. You can understand highly technical medical journals discussing '알레르기성 기전' (allergic mechanisms) and '면역 글로불린' (immunoglobulins). You are aware of the historical development of the term in the Korean language, including why the German-based pronunciation became the standard. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors and literary contexts. C2 speakers can also navigate the legal aspects of allergies, such as liability in food service or workplace safety regulations for employees with severe sensitivities. You can provide professional translations or interpretations involving medical discussions about allergies, ensuring that all nuances of severity and clinical symptoms are accurately conveyed. Your understanding extends to the socio-economic impact of allergic diseases on the Korean healthcare system.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

알레르기 in 30 Seconds

A loanword from German used for all types of immune hypersensitivities.
Commonly paired with '있다' (to have) or '생기다' (to develop).
Essential for discussing food restrictions and seasonal health in Korea.
Pronounced differently from English; follow the four-syllable beat: al-le-reu-gi.

The Korean word 알레르기 (pronounced 'alle-reu-gi') is a loanword derived from the German word 'Allergie'. It refers to a medical condition where the immune system reacts abnormally to a foreign substance. In South Korea, this word is used extensively in both clinical settings and everyday conversations. Unlike the English pronunciation which emphasizes the first syllable, the Korean version follows the German phonetics, distributing weight across the syllables more evenly. People use it to describe everything from seasonal hay fever to life-threatening food sensitivities. Understanding this word is crucial for survival in Korea if you have dietary restrictions, as it is the primary term used to communicate health needs to servers, doctors, and friends.

Medical Context: In a hospital or pharmacy, '알레르기' is used to diagnose hypersensitivity. Doctors will ask '알레르기가 있나요?' (Do you have any allergies?) before prescribing medication or administering shots.

저는 땅콩 알레르기가 심해서 조심해야 해요. (I have a severe peanut allergy, so I have to be careful.)

Socially, the word has also taken on a metaphorical meaning. Much like in English, Koreans might say they have an 'allergy' to something they strongly dislike or find irritating, such as '공부 알레르기' (an allergy to studying) or '잔소리 알레르기' (an allergy to nagging). This figurative use is common among younger generations to express extreme aversion. However, in its primary sense, it remains a vital health term. Because Korea has a communal eating culture, knowing how to state your '알레르기' clearly is a prerequisite for a safe dining experience. The term is also frequently paired with specific allergens like '꽃가루' (pollen), '먼지' (dust), or '복숭아' (peach).

Common Compounds: 알레르기 비염 (Allergic rhinitis), 알레르기 반응 (Allergic reaction), 알레르기 검사 (Allergy test).

봄만 되면 꽃가루 알레르기 때문에 콧물이 나요. (Whenever spring comes, I get a runny nose because of pollen allergies.)

Using '알레르기' in a sentence typically follows the structure [Noun] + 알레르기가 있다 (to have an allergy) or [Noun] + 알레르기가 생기다 (to develop an allergy). The particle '가' is essential here as '알레르기' acts as the subject of the state of existence. When you want to describe the reaction itself, you use '알레르기 반응'. For example, '알레르기 반응이 나타나다' means 'an allergic reaction is appearing'. In formal settings, you might use the verb '앓다' (to suffer from), as in '알레르기를 앓고 있다'.

갑자기 몸에 알레르기가 생겨서 병원에 갔어요. (I suddenly developed an allergy on my body, so I went to the hospital.)

Grammar Pattern 1: [Subject] + 은/는 + [Allergen] + 알레르기가 있다. (Subject has an allergy to [Allergen]). Example: '저는 유제품 알레르기가 있어요' (I have a dairy allergy).

When asking someone else, the question form '알레르기 있어요?' is the most common and natural way to check for dietary restrictions. If you are describing a symptom, you can say '알레르기 때문에...' (Because of the allergy...). For instance, '알레르기 때문에 눈이 가려워요' (My eyes are itchy because of the allergy). It is also common to see the word shortened to '알러지' in casual speech or on product labels, although '알레르기' remains the standard orthography. In academic or highly formal texts, you might encounter '과민 반응' (hypersensitivity reaction), but for 99% of daily life, '알레르기' is the word you need.

이 음식에 알레르기를 일으키는 성분이 들어 있나요? (Does this food contain ingredients that cause allergies?)

You will encounter '알레르기' in several key environments in Korea. First and foremost is the restaurant. With the rise of food safety awareness, many menus now include allergy warnings at the bottom. Servers might ask if you have any allergies before serving a course meal. Second, you will hear it in pharmacies (약국). If you have hay fever, you would ask for '알레르기 약' (allergy medicine). The pharmacist might ask about your specific symptoms like '재채기' (sneezing) or '콧물' (runny nose) to determine if it is a cold or an allergy.

약사님, 알레르기 비염 약 좀 주세요. (Pharmacist, please give me some medicine for allergic rhinitis.)

Daily Life: In the spring, weather reports on TV often include an 'allergy index' (알레르기 지수) to warn citizens about high pollen counts. You'll hear neighbors complaining about the '송화가루' (pine pollen) causing their allergies to flare up.

Another common place is the school environment. Parents are required to submit an '알레르기 조사서' (allergy survey) at the beginning of the school year so the cafeteria can prepare safe meals for students. Furthermore, in skincare and cosmetics shops like Olive Young, you will see products labeled '저자극' (hypoallergenic) or '알레르기 테스트 완료' (allergy tested). This reflects the high level of concern for skin allergies among Korean consumers. Lastly, in media and dramas, characters often have specific allergies (like to cats or flowers) as a plot point to create tension or reveal a character's vulnerability.

우리 아이는 우유 알레르기가 있어서 급식 때 조심해야 해요. (My child has a milk allergy, so they need to be careful during school lunch.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is trying to pronounce '알레르기' like the English word 'allergy'. If you say 'allergy' with an English R-sound and stress on the first syllable, many Koreans might not understand you immediately. Remember to use the 'L' sound for the double 'ㄹ' and pronounce the '기' at the end clearly. Another mistake is confusing '알레르기' with '감기' (common cold). While both involve sneezing and a runny nose, an allergy is '알레르기' and a cold is '감기'. If you tell a doctor you have a 'cold' when it is actually an 'allergy', you might receive the wrong treatment.

이건 감기가 아니라 알레르기예요. (This isn't a cold; it's an allergy.)

Grammar Pitfall: Avoid saying '저는 알레르기를 해요' (I do allergy). The correct verb is always '있다' (to have) or '나타나다' (to appear). Say '알레르기가 있어요'.

Additionally, learners often forget the particle '가'. While '알레르기 있어요' is acceptable in casual speech, '알레르기가 있어요' is more grammatically complete. Also, be careful with the word '알러지'. While it is understood, in formal writing or medical forms, always use '알레르기'. Using '알러지' in a hospital might sound a bit too casual or less precise. Finally, don't confuse '알레르기' with '아토피' (atopy). While they are related, '아토피' specifically refers to the chronic skin condition (atopic dermatitis), whereas '알레르기' is the general term for the immune response.

피부 알레르기와 아토피는 증상이 다를 수 있습니다. (Skin allergies and atopy can have different symptoms.)

While '알레르기' is the standard term, there are several related words you should know to expand your vocabulary. '과민증' (hypersensitivity) is the more technical, medical term used in scientific papers or deep medical consultations. '거부 반응' (rejection response) is often used in the context of organ transplants but can sometimes describe a general bodily rejection. For specific types of allergies, Koreans often use more descriptive terms. For example, instead of just saying 'skin allergy', they might say '두드러기' (hives/urticaria).

Comparison: 알레르기 vs. 비염: '알레르기' is the cause/condition, while '비염' (rhinitis) is the specific symptom of nasal inflammation. People often combine them: '알레르기성 비염'.

Another alternative is '특이 체질' (special constitution/idiosyncrasy). This is a more traditional way of saying someone has a body that reacts uniquely to certain foods or environments. If you want to say something is 'hypoallergenic', the term is '저자극' (low irritation). In recent years, '비건' (vegan) or '글루텐 프리' (gluten-free) are also used alongside allergy discussions, as people with allergies often seek these specific types of food. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate social and medical situations more effectively. For instance, if you have a skin reaction, saying '두드러기가 났어요' (I got hives) is more specific than just saying you have an allergy.

그는 먼지에 대한 과민증이 있습니다. (He has a hypersensitivity to dust.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

While many Korean loanwords come from English (like '커피' - coffee), medical and scientific terms often come from German (like '아르바이트' - part-time job, and '알레르기').

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌælədʒi/

US /ˈælərdʒi/

In Korean, there is no strong stress on one syllable, but the 'ㄹ' (L) sound is doubled between the first and second syllables.

Rhymes With

기르기 (gi-reu-gi) 흐르기 (heu-reu-gi) 부르기 (bu-reu-gi) 자르기 (ja-reu-gi) 모르기 (mo-reu-gi) 마르기 (ma-reu-gi) 빠르기 (ppa-reu-gi) 거르기 (geo-reu-gi)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English 'allergy' with an 'R' sound.
Skipping the 'reu' (르) syllable.
Mispronouncing 'gi' (기) as 'ji' (지).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to read as it's a phonetic loanword.

Writing 3/5

Spelling '알레르기' correctly requires remembering the double 'ㄹ' and the '르' syllable.

Speaking 4/5

Difficult for English speakers to avoid the English 'R' and 'G' sounds.

Listening 2/5

Recognizable once you know the Korean pronunciation beats.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

있다 없다 음식 몸 아프다

Learn Next

증상 (Symptom) 재채기 (Sneeze) 가렵다 (Itchy) 병원 (Hospital) 약 (Medicine)

Advanced

과민성 (Hypersensitivity) 면역 체계 (Immune system) 항원 (Antigen) 아나필락시스 (Anaphylaxis) 면역 요법 (Immunotherapy)

Grammar to Know

Noun + 때문에 (Because of [Noun])

알레르기 때문에 힘들어요.

Noun + 이/가 생기다 (To develop/occur)

알레르기가 생겼어요.

Noun + 이/가 있다/없다 (To have/not have)

저는 알레르기가 없어요.

-(아/어)서 (Cause/Effect)

알레르기가 심해서 못 가요.

-(으)면 (If/When)

알레르기 약을 먹으면 괜찮아요.

Examples by Level

알레르기 있어요.

I have an allergy.

Basic 'Noun + 있어요' structure.

우유 알레르기예요.

It's a milk allergy.

Using the 'is' verb (예요/이에요).

강아지 알레르기 없어요.

I don't have a dog allergy.

Negative form '없어요'.

이거 알레르기 약이에요?

Is this allergy medicine?

Question form of the 'is' verb.

고양이 알레르기 있어요?

Do you have a cat allergy?

Simple question structure.

저는 알레르기가 많아요.

I have many allergies.

Using '많아요' (to be many).

복숭아 알레르기 조심하세요.

Be careful of peach allergies.

Imperative '조심하세요'.

제 친구는 알레르기가 있어요.

My friend has an allergy.

Subject marker '는' for '제 친구'.

저는 땅콩 알레르기가 있어서 못 먹어요.

I can't eat it because I have a peanut allergy.

Using '-(아/어)서' to show reason.

꽃가루 알레르기 때문에 재채기가 나요.

I am sneezing because of a pollen allergy.

Using '때문에' for reason.

갑자기 피부에 알레르기가 생겼어요.

An allergy suddenly appeared on my skin.

Using '생기다' (to occur/develop).

식당에 알레르기 메뉴가 있나요?

Is there an allergy menu at the restaurant?

Polite question form '-나요?'.

먼지 알레르기가 심한 편이에요.

I tend to have a severe dust allergy.

Using '-는 편이다' (to be on the side of/tend to).

알레르기 약을 먹으면 졸려요.

If I take allergy medicine, I get sleepy.

Conditional '-(으)면'.

이 화장품은 알레르기 테스트를 했어요.

This cosmetic has been allergy tested.

Past tense '했어요'.

어떤 알레르기가 있는지 알려주세요.

Please let me know what allergies you have.

Indirect question '-는지'.

어릴 때는 없었는데 성인이 되어 알레르기가 생겼어요.

I didn't have it when I was young, but I developed an allergy as an adult.

Contrastive '-(으)ㄴ데'.

알레르기 증상이 심해지면 병원에 가야 해요.

If the allergy symptoms get worse, you must go to the hospital.

Comparative '심해지다' (to become severe).

환경 오염으로 인해 알레르기 환자가 늘고 있습니다.

The number of allergy patients is increasing due to environmental pollution.

Formal '-(으)로 인해' (due to).

알레르기를 예방하려면 먼지를 잘 제거해야 합니다.

To prevent allergies, you must remove dust well.

Intention '-(으)려면'.

이 약은 알레르기 비염에 아주 효과적이에요.

This medicine is very effective for allergic rhinitis.

Adverb '아주' (very).

계란 알레르기가 있는 사람은 이 빵을 먹으면 안 돼요.

People with egg allergies must not eat this bread.

Prohibition '-(으)면 안 되다'.

알레르기 반응이 나타나면 즉시 약을 드세요.

If an allergic reaction appears, take the medicine immediately.

Adverb '즉시' (immediately).

눈이 가려운 걸 보니 알레르기가 도진 것 같아요.

Seeing that my eyes are itchy, it seems my allergy has flared up.

Conjecture '-ㄴ 것 같다'.

최근 들어 성인 알레르기 비염 환자가 급증하고 있습니다.

Recently, the number of adult allergic rhinitis patients has been surging.

Continuous action '-고 있다'.

알레르기 유발 물질을 차단하는 것이 가장 중요합니다.

Blocking allergen-inducing substances is the most important thing.

Nominalizer '-는 것'.

면역력이 떨어지면 알레르기 증상이 더 심하게 나타날 수 있습니다.

If your immunity drops, allergy symptoms can appear more severely.

Potential '-(으)ㄹ 수 있다'.

이 제품은 알레르기를 일으키는 화학 성분을 배제했습니다.

This product excludes chemical ingredients that cause allergies.

Past tense '배제했습니다'.

알레르기 검사를 통해 정확한 원인을 파악해야 합니다.

You must identify the exact cause through an allergy test.

Method '-(으)ㄹ 통해'.

심각한 알레르기 쇼크는 생명에 지장을 줄 수도 있습니다.

A serious allergic shock can even be life-threatening.

Emphasis particle '도'.

그는 농담처럼 '나는 월요일 알레르기가 있어'라고 말했다.

He said jokingly, 'I have a Monday allergy.'

Quotation '-라고 말하다'.

알레르기 체질은 유전적인 요인이 크다고 알려져 있습니다.

It is known that an allergic constitution is largely due to genetic factors.

Passive/Reported '-고 알려져 있다'.

현대 사회의 위생 가설은 알레르기 유병률의 증가를 설명하는 한 방법입니다.

The hygiene hypothesis of modern society is one way to explain the increase in allergy prevalence.

Complex noun phrases.

알레르기 항원에 지속적으로 노출될 경우 만성 질환으로 발전할 수 있습니다.

If one is continuously exposed to allergens, it can develop into a chronic disease.

Conditional '-(으)ㄹ 경우'.

식품 의약품 안전처는 알레르기 유발 성분 표시제를 강화하고 있습니다.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is strengthening the allergy-inducing ingredient labeling system.

Formal institution names.

면역 요법은 알레르기 환자의 체질을 근본적으로 개선하는 데 목적이 있습니다.

Immunotherapy aims to fundamentally improve the constitution of allergy patients.

Noun '목적' (aim/purpose).

대기 오염 물질이 알레르기 비염의 증상을 악화시킨다는 연구 결과가 나왔습니다.

Research results have shown that air pollutants worsen the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Appositive '-ㄴ다는'.

알레르기 반응은 인체의 면역 체계가 무해한 물질을 위협으로 오인하여 발생합니다.

Allergic reactions occur when the body's immune system mistakes harmless substances for threats.

Causal '-(하)여'.

특정 약물에 대한 알레르기가 있는 환자는 수술 전 반드시 의료진에게 알려야 합니다.

Patients with allergies to specific drugs must inform medical staff before surgery.

Adverb '반드시' (certainly/without fail).

기후 변화로 인해 꽃가루 날림 기간이 길어지면서 알레르기 고통이 가중되고 있습니다.

As the pollen season lengthens due to climate change, the suffering from allergies is increasing.

Simultaneous action '-면서'.

알레르기성 아나필락시스는 신속한 에피네프린 투여가 생존의 관건입니다.

In allergic anaphylaxis, rapid administration of epinephrine is the key to survival.

Medical terminology.

본 논문은 도시 거주 아동의 알레르기 감작률과 주거 환경 간의 상관관계를 고찰합니다.

This paper examines the correlation between the allergy sensitization rate of urban children and their residential environment.

Academic register '고찰하다'.

식품 알레르기는 단순한 기호의 문제가 아니라 생존권과 직결된 중대한 사안입니다.

Food allergies are not a matter of simple preference but a serious issue directly linked to the right to survive.

Rhetorical structure 'A가 아니라 B이다'.

다양한 알레르기 항원에 대한 교차 반응성을 이해하는 것은 정밀 진단의 핵심입니다.

Understanding cross-reactivity to various allergens is the core of precise diagnosis.

Abstract noun '교차 반응성' (cross-reactivity).

알레르기 비염의 병태생리학적 기전은 면역 글로불린 E가 주도하는 제1형 과민 반응입니다.

The pathophysiological mechanism of allergic rhinitis is a Type 1 hypersensitivity reaction driven by IgE.

Advanced scientific terminology.

기업은 알레르기 유발 가능 성분의 미량 혼입 가능성까지도 투명하게 공개해야 할 의무가 있습니다.

Companies have an obligation to transparently disclose even the possibility of trace amounts of potential allergens.

Duty '의무가 있다'.

알레르기 질환의 급증은 서구화된 식습관과 생활 양식의 변화와 궤를 같이합니다.

The surge in allergic diseases goes hand in hand with changes in Westernized eating habits and lifestyles.

Idiomatic expression '궤를 같이하다'.

면역 관용 형성을 유도하는 새로운 알레르기 치료법이 임상 시험 단계에 진입했습니다.

A new allergy treatment that induces immune tolerance has entered the clinical trial stage.

Complex verbal phrase '진입했습니다'.

Common Collocations

알레르기가 있다

알레르기 반응

알레르기 약

꽃가루 알레르기

알레르기 비염

알레르기 검사

알레르기 유발

알레르기 체질

알레르기 증상

먼지 알레르기

Common Phrases

알레르기 있어요?

— Do you have any allergies? Used commonly by hosts or servers.

주문하시기 전에 알레르기 있어요?

알레르기 조심해

— Be careful of your allergy. Used among friends.

꽃이 많으니까 알레르기 조심해.

알레르기가 도지다

— For an allergy to flare up or return.

환절기라 알레르기가 다시 도졌어요.

알레르기 때문에 죽겠다

— I'm dying because of my allergy. Hyperbolic expression of discomfort.

재채기 때문에 알레르기 때문에 죽겠어요.

알레르기 성분 표시

— Allergy ingredient labeling on food products.

과자 봉지 뒷면의 알레르기 성분 표시를 확인하세요.

알레르기 프리

— Allergy-free. Used in marketing.

이 침구는 알레르기 프리 제품입니다.

알레르기 내과

— Allergy department in a hospital.

알레르기 내과에 가서 진료를 받으세요.

알레르기 쇼크

— Allergic shock (Anaphylaxis).

벌에 쏘여서 알레르기 쇼크가 왔어요.

알레르기 지수

— Allergy index provided in weather forecasts.

오늘 알레르기 지수가 매우 높음입니다.

알레르기 방지

— Allergy prevention.

이 마스크는 알레르기 방지 기능이 있어요.

Often Confused With

알레르기 vs 감기

A cold. People often mistake seasonal allergies for a common cold.

알레르기 vs 비염

Rhinitis. While often caused by allergies, it refers specifically to nasal inflammation.

알레르기 vs 아토피

Atopy. A chronic allergic skin condition, often confused with general skin allergies.

Idioms & Expressions

"공부 알레르기"

— Metaphorical 'allergy' to studying; a strong dislike for it.

나는 책만 펴면 공부 알레르기가 도져.

Slang/Casual

"잔소리 알레르기"

— Extreme aversion to being nagged.

엄마 잔소리에 알레르기가 생길 것 같아.

Slang/Casual

"출근 알레르기"

— Strong dislike or dread of going to work.

월요일 아침마다 출근 알레르기가 심해져요.

Slang/Casual

"운동 알레르기"

— Aversion to physical exercise.

난 운동 알레르기가 있어서 헬스장은 안 가.

Slang/Casual

"사람 알레르기"

— Social anxiety or strong dislike for crowded places/people.

요즘 사람 알레르기가 생겨서 혼자 있고 싶어.

Slang/Casual

"청소 알레르기"

— Laziness or dislike regarding cleaning tasks.

내 방을 보면 알겠지만 난 청소 알레르기가 있어.

Slang/Casual

"영어 알레르기"

— Fear or extreme dislike of speaking/learning English.

영어 알레르기를 극복하고 싶어요.

Neutral/Casual

"돈 알레르기"

— Ironical phrase for someone who spends money as soon as they get it.

너 돈 알레르기 있니? 왜 다 써버려?

Slang/Casual

"집안일 알레르기"

— Dislike for household chores.

남편은 집안일 알레르기가 있는 게 분명해.

Slang/Casual

"시험 알레르기"

— Severe stress or dislike related to exams.

시험 기간만 되면 시험 알레르기 때문에 머리가 아파.

Slang/Casual

Easily Confused

알레르기 vs 알러지

It's the same word but influenced by English.

알레르기 is the standard German-based spelling; 알러지 is the English-based variant.

표준어는 알레르기이지만 사람들은 알러지라고도 해요.

알레르기 vs 두드러기

Both involve skin reactions.

알레르기 is the immune condition; 두드러기 is the physical rash (hives) itself.

알레르기 때문에 두드러기가 났어요.

알레르기 vs 식중독

Both happen after eating.

Food poisoning (식중독) is caused by bacteria/toxins; 알레르기 is an immune response.

이건 식중독이 아니라 알레르기 반응이에요.

알레르기 vs 천식

Both involve breathing issues.

Asthma (천식) is a chronic lung condition often triggered by allergies.

알레르기 비염이 천식으로 발전했어요.

알레르기 vs 민감성

Both imply a reaction.

Sensitivity (민감성) is a general term; 알레르기 is a specific medical immune response.

민감성 피부용 화장품은 알레르기 반응이 적어요.

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] 알레르기 있어요.

먼지 알레르기 있어요.

저는 [Noun] 알레르기가 있어서 [Verb] 못 해요.

저는 고양이 알레르기가 있어서 친구 집에 못 가요.

[Noun] 알레르기 때문에 [Symptom]이/가 나요.

꽃가루 알레르기 때문에 콧물이 나요.

[Noun]은/는 알레르기 반응을 유발할 수 있습니다.

복숭아 껍질은 알레르기 반응을 유발할 수 있습니다.

알레르기 검사를 통해 원인을 규명해야 합니다.

만성 비염은 알레르기 검사를 통해 원인을 규명해야 합니다.

알레르기 질환의 유병률이 현대 사회에서 급격히 증가하고 있습니다.

환경적 요인으로 인해 알레르기 질환의 유병률이 현대 사회에서 급격히 증가하고 있습니다.

[Noun] 알레르기예요?

우유 알레르기예요?

알레르기 증상이 심해지면 [Action].

알레르기 증상이 심해지면 약을 드세요.

Word Family

Nouns

알레르기원 (Allergen)

알레르기증 (Allergic condition)

항알레르기 (Anti-allergy)

Verbs

알레르기를 일으키다 (To cause an allergy)

알레르기를 앓다 (To suffer from an allergy)

Adjectives

알레르기성의 (Allergic)

알레르기 유발의 (Allergenic)

비염

아토피

천식

면역

항히스타민제

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high, especially in spring (March-May) and fall (September-October).

Common Mistakes

알레르기를 해요 → 알레르기가 있어요
You don't 'do' an allergy in Korean; you 'have' it.
English pronunciation 'Allergy' → 알레르기 (Al-le-reu-gi)
Koreans won't understand the English pronunciation easily.
알레르기 때문에 콧물해요 → 알레르기 때문에 콧물이 나요
Runny nose 'comes out' (나요), it isn't 'done' (해요).
Confusing '알레르기' with '아토피' in all cases. → Using '알레르기' for general and '아토피' for skin.
Atopy is a specific type of allergic condition, mainly skin-related.
알레르기 있어요? (to a doctor) → 알레르기 증상이 있어요.
When describing symptoms to a doctor, '증상' (symptom) is more precise.

Tips

Dining Out

In Korea, communal eating is common. If you have an allergy, speak up early to ensure shared dishes don't contain your allergen.

Hospital Visits

When visiting a clinic, carry a card or a note on your phone that says '[Allergen] 알레르기가 있습니다' in case of emergency.

Pronunciation

Practice the double 'ㄹ' sound. It's like 'al-le'. If you only say one 'l', it might sound like 'a-re', which is incorrect.

Reading Labels

Look for the bolded box on the back of food packaging. It usually lists allergens like 대두 (soy), 밀 (wheat), and 우유 (milk).

Spring Survival

Buy '알레르기 약' in March before the pollen peaks. Waiting until you are already sneezing might make the symptoms harder to control.

Being a Good Guest

If someone invites you to their home, it is polite to mention your allergies beforehand so they can plan the menu.

Standard Spelling

On the TOPIK exam, always use '알레르기'. Using '알러지' might be considered a spelling error.

Skin Tests

Look for '하이포알러제닉' (hypoallergenic) on Korean skincare products if you have sensitive skin.

Emergency

Learn the word '아나필락시스' if you have life-threatening allergies, though '심한 알레르기 쇼크' is more commonly understood.

Particle Use

Don't forget the particle '가' in '알레르기가 있어요'. It makes your Korean sound much more natural and correct.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Al-le-reu-gi'. It sounds like a long, drawn-out sneeze: AL-LE-REU-GI!

Visual Association

Imagine a person in a garden full of flowers holding a German flag and sneezing loudly.

Word Web

음식 (Food) 꽃가루 (Pollen) 먼지 (Dust) 병원 (Hospital) 약 (Medicine) 재채기 (Sneeze) 가렵다 (Itchy) 피부 (Skin)

Challenge

Go to a Korean grocery store and try to find the '알레르기 유발 성분' (allergy-inducing ingredients) list on the back of three different snack bags.

Word Origin

Borrowed from the German word 'Allergie'. It entered the Korean language during the period when German medical terminology was dominant in East Asian medicine.

Original meaning: A term coined by Clemens von Pirquet in 1906 to describe changed reactivity of the immune system.

Germanic (borrowed into Korean)

Cultural Context

Always take '알레르기' claims seriously in Korea, as medical awareness is high and it is not considered a 'picky eating' excuse.

English speakers often find the Korean pronunciation 'alle-reu-gi' difficult because they want to say 'allergy'. Practice the 'reu' (르) sound carefully.

The movie 'Parasite' features a peach allergy as a major plot point. K-pop idols often share their allergies (like to cats or specific foods) with fans. Korean health documentaries frequently discuss 'environmental allergies' in modern cities.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Ordering food

땅콩 알레르기가 있어요.
이 음식에 알레르기 성분이 있나요?
알레르기 때문에 빼주세요.
심한 알레르기가 있어요.

At the pharmacy

알레르기 약 주세요.
졸리지 않은 알레르기 약 있나요?
비염 알레르기예요.
눈 알레르기 약도 주세요.

Spring season

꽃가루 알레르기가 심해요.
알레르기 지수가 높아요.
재채기가 멈추지 않아요.
코가 너무 간지러워요.

Visiting a friend with a pet

고양이 알레르기 있어요?
강아지 알레르기가 조금 있어요.
미안하지만 알레르기 약 좀 먹을게요.
털 알레르기가 심해요.

Checking labels

알레르기 성분 표시 확인해.
이거 알레르기 테스트 완료된 거야.
저자극 제품이라 알레르기 걱정 없어.
성분표에 뭐가 들어 있어?

Conversation Starters

"혹시 못 드시는 음식이나 알레르기 있으세요?"

"봄만 되면 알레르기 때문에 너무 힘들지 않아요?"

"요즘 갑자기 알레르기가 생겼는데, 좋은 약 알아요?"

"아이들 중에 알레르기 있는 친구들이 많더라고요."

"이 화장품 알레르기 반응 없어서 좋은 것 같아요."

Journal Prompts

오늘 나의 알레르기 상태는 어땠나요? (How was my allergy status today?)

내가 가지고 있는 알레르기에 대해 자세히 써 보세요. (Write in detail about the allergies you have.)

알레르기 때문에 곤란했던 경험이 있나요? (Have you ever had a difficult experience because of an allergy?)

한국에서 알레르기 약을 샀던 경험을 적어 보세요. (Write about your experience buying allergy medicine in Korea.)

알레르기 없는 세상을 상상해 보세요. (Imagine a world without allergies.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You say '[Noun] 알레르기가 있어요'. For example, '땅콩 알레르기가 있어요' (I am allergic to peanuts).

No. It is pronounced 'al-le-reu-gi'. It follows the German pronunciation, not the English one.

Yes, it is understood and common in casual speech, but '알레르기' is the official and more formal term.

You can ask, '이 음식에 알레르기 유발 성분이 있나요?' (Does this food have allergy-inducing ingredients?)

It is '알레르기 약' (al-le-reu-gi yak).

Yes, especially seasonal ones like pollen allergies and food allergies like shellfish and peaches.

It is '꽃가루 알레르기' (kkot-ga-ru al-le-reu-gi).

Say '알레르기가 아주 심해요' (The allergy is very severe).

Yes, you should go to '알레르기 내과' (Allergy Internal Medicine).

Yes, colloquially you can say things like '공부 알레르기' to mean you hate studying.