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How to say “I’m allergic to shellfish” in Japanese
“Shellfish” is a tricky word in Japan. Japanese separates crustaceans (shrimp, crab) from molluscs (clams, oysters, scallops), and an English “shellfish” may not make it across. Name exactly what you react to. Here are the phrases and the dishes that hide shrimp and crab.
Quick answer: Say えびとかにのアレルギーがあります (ebi to kani no arerugii ga arimasu) for shrimp and crab, and add 貝類 (kairui) for clams, oysters and scallops. Show the card to be sure.
Crustaceans vs molluscs: name what you avoid
Shrimp and crab are on Japan’s list of allergens that packaged food must declare. Molluscs such as oysters, clams and scallops are not, so a label with no “shrimp” or “crab” does not mean no clam. Say it in the order that matches your allergy:
- えび (ebi): shrimp and prawn, including lobster-type ise-ebi
- かに (kani): crab
- 貝類 (kairui): shellfish in the mollusc sense, such as 牡蠣 (kaki, oyster), ホタテ (hotate, scallop), あさり (asari, clam)
- いか・たこ (ika, tako): squid and octopus; mention them separately if you avoid them
Hidden shrimp and crab dishes
- Kakiage (かき揚げ): tempura fritters that often include small shrimp.
- Okonomiyaki and yakisoba “mix” (ミックス) versions contain seafood, and sakura ebi (桜えび, tiny dried shrimp) is a common topping.
- Ramen broth. Seafood-based soups (魚介系, gyokai-kei) can use dried shrimp or clams, and “ebi soba” shops are built around shrimp.
- Chinese-style stir-fries use oyster sauce (オイスターソース), a mollusc product.
- Crab sticks (かにかま, kanikama) are fish paste with crab flavoring, and the label may list かに.
- Snacks. Shrimp crackers (えびせん) and some rice-cracker mixes.
Sushi and conveyor-belt restaurants
Plain fish nigiri is usually shrimp-free, but knives, boards and gloves are shared. At the counter, show the card and ask the chef to avoid shellfish toppings. At a conveyor-belt shop (kaiten-zushi), use the touch panel, which often lists allergens per plate, and order directly rather than grabbing plates from the belt. More on ordering in our sushi guide.
Shellfish phrases in Japanese
| Japanese (kana) | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| えび | ebi | shrimp / prawn |
| かに | kani | crab |
| かいるい（貝類） | kairui | molluscs (clams, oysters, scallops) |
| こうかくるい（甲殻類） | koukakurui | crustaceans (formal word) |
| えびとかにのアレルギーがあります | ebi to kani no arerugii ga arimasu | I’m allergic to shrimp and crab |
| かいるいのアレルギーがあります | kairui no arerugii ga arimasu | I’m allergic to shellfish (molluscs) |
| えびは入っていますか？ | ebi wa haitte imasu ka? | Does this contain shrimp? |
| だしにも入っていますか？ | dashi ni mo haitte imasu ka? | Is it in the stock too? |
| かいせん（海鮮）はだめです | kaisen wa dame desu | I can’t eat seafood |
| えびぬきでおねがいします | ebi nuki de onegai shimasu | Without shrimp, please |
Printable shellfish allergy card
This card covers shrimp, crab and molluscs. If you only react to one group, cross out the others with a pen before printing.
私はえび・かに・貝類アレルギーです。
I am allergic to shrimp, crab and shellfish.
えび・かに・貝類が入っている料理は食べられません。
I cannot eat any dish that contains shrimp, crab and shellfish.
だしやソース、調味料、揚げ油にも入っていないか、ご確認をお願いします。
Please also check the stock, sauces, seasonings and frying oil.
えび・かに・貝類に触れた調理器具や油は使わないでください。
Please do not use utensils or oil that have touched shrimp, crab and shellfish.
少量でも命に関わります。
Even a small amount can be life-threatening.
ご協力ありがとうございます。 Thank you for your help. · japanmust.com
Printing tip: set the page to “fit to page”, or take a screenshot and show it on your phone. Delete the last line if your allergy is not severe.
Allergy safety: this is travel information, not medical advice. Restaurants often cannot guarantee an allergen-free meal, and cross-contact in kitchens is common. Carry any prescribed medication and a doctor’s letter, and check current Japanese rules for bringing medicine into the country.
Frequently asked questions
Will “shellfish” be understood in Japan?
Not reliably. Many staff do not use a single word for it. Say えび (shrimp), かに (crab) and 貝類 (molluscs) separately, or show the card.
Is seafood ramen safe with a shrimp allergy?
Not by default. Seafood-based broths can use dried shrimp, and some shops specialize in shrimp soup. Ask “えびは入っていますか？” before ordering.
Are oysters, clams and scallops labeled as allergens?
Not as mandatory items. Shrimp and crab must be declared on packaged food, but molluscs are not required, so read the ingredient list or ask.
Is squid or octopus shellfish?
They are molluscs. If your allergy includes them, add いか (ika) and たこ (tako) to the conversation. Takoyaki, for example, is octopus by definition.
Related guides
Check a menu for shrimp and crab
Japan Interpreter scans a Japanese menu offline and explains each dish, so you can spot えび and かに before the server arrives.
Japan Interpreter: offline camera and text translation for Japan. Allergen flags help, but never replace asking the restaurant.