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Allergy
الحساسية (al-hasāsiyyah) is a feminine noun meaning 'allergy' or 'sensitivity' in Arabic. It refers to an abnormal immune system reaction to a substance that's harmless to most people. The word is commonly used in medical contexts to describe various types of allergies, from food allergies to environmental sensitivities.
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أنا أعاني من حساسية تجاه الفول السوداني.
Anā a'āni min hasāsiyyah tijāh al-fūl al-sūdānī.
I suffer from a peanut allergy.
حساسية الجلد شائعة جداً في الطقس الحار.
Hasāsiyyat al-jild shāi'ah jiddan fī al-taqas al-hārr.
Skin allergies are very common in hot weather.
يجب أن أتجنب الألبان لأنني أعاني من حساسية اللاكتوز.
Yajib an atajannab al-albān li-annani a'āni min hasāsiyyat al-lāktūz.
I must avoid dairy because I have a lactose intolerance.
ذهبت إلى الطبيب لأنني أشعر بحساسية في الحلق.
Dhahabat ilā al-ṭabīb li-annani ash'ur bi-hasāsiyyah fī al-hulq.
I went to the doctor because I feel a sensitivity in my throat.
هذا الدواء قد يسبب حساسية لدى بعض الأشخاص.
Hādhā al-dawā' qad yusabbib hasāsiyyah ladā ba'ḍ al-ashkhāṣ.
This medication may cause allergies in some people.
In Arab healthcare contexts, discussing allergies is increasingly important as awareness of allergic conditions grows. Food allergies are particularly significant in Arab cuisine discussions, where nuts, sesame, and dairy are common ingredients. Medical professionals in Arabic-speaking countries frequently use الحساسية when diagnosing and treating patients, making it an essential term for anyone seeking healthcare in the region.
Remember that الحساسية is feminine, so adjectives and verbs must agree in gender. When describing someone who has an allergy, use 'يعاني من حساسية' (ya'āni min hasāsiyyah - suffers from allergy). Be specific about the allergen by using 'حساسية تجاه' (hasāsiyyah tijāh - allergy toward) followed by the substance name.
الحساسية is one of the most important medical terms in Arabic, especially in contemporary healthcare discussions. The word literally translates to "allergy" or "allergic sensitivity" and comes from the root ح-س-س (H-S-S), which relates to feeling or sensing.
الحساسية is a feminine noun in Arabic. This means that when used in sentences, any adjectives or verbs must agree with the feminine form. For example:
The word can be used in both singular and plural contexts, though the singular form is most common when referring to allergies in general.
In healthcare settings throughout the Arab world, الحساسية is the standard term used by doctors and medical professionals. When visiting a doctor in an Arabic-speaking country, you might hear phrases like:
"هل لديك أي حساسية؟" (Hal ladayka ayy hasāsiyyah?) - Do you have any allergies?
This is typically one of the first questions asked during a medical consultation, as allergies can significantly impact treatment options and medication prescriptions.
When discussing specific allergies, Arabic speakers typically use the construction "حساسية من" (hasāsiyyah min) or "حساسية تجاه" (hasāsiyyah tijāh), meaning "allergy to":
In Arab culture, food-related allergies have become increasingly discussed topics, particularly given the popularity of nuts, sesame, and dairy in traditional Arab cuisine. Understanding and communicating about allergies is crucial for safety in social dining situations.
Arabic speakers often pair الحساسية with other medical terms to describe reactions:
For English speakers learning Arabic, mastering الحساسية is essential for health and safety communication. Whether you're traveling in an Arabic-speaking country, working in healthcare, or simply need to communicate medical information, this word is indispensable. It's particularly important to practice saying it clearly and to learn how to list your specific allergies accurately.
The verb form تحسس (tahasassa) means "to become allergic" or "to develop an allergy," which can be useful when discussing how allergies develop over time.
In contemporary Arabic, especially in media and healthcare communication, الحساسية appears frequently in health discussions, product labeling, and medical websites. Understanding this word helps learners engage with modern Arabic content about health and wellness.