过敏 (guòmǐn) — allergy / allergic

过敏 (guòmǐn)

过敏 describes an allergic reaction or the state of being allergic to something. The key pattern is 对...过敏 (to be allergic to...). It can function as a verb (to have an allergy) or a noun (an allergy). It is essential vocabulary for discussing health and medical situations.

Meanings

1. [verb] To be allergic; to have an allergic reaction.
2. [noun] Allergy; hypersensitivity.

Example Sentences

我对花粉过敏。 Wǒ duì huāfěn guòmǐn. I am allergic to pollen.

他吃了虾以后过敏了，脸上起了红点。 Tā chī le xiā yǐhòu guòmǐn le, liǎn shàng qǐ le hóngdiǎn. After eating shrimp he had an allergic reaction and red spots appeared on his face.

你有没有过敏史？ Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu guòmǐn shǐ? Do you have a history of allergies?

这种药可能会引起过敏反应。 Zhè zhǒng yào kěnéng huì yǐnqǐ guòmǐn fǎnyìng. This medicine may cause an allergic reaction.

Collocations

Memory Hook

过 means "to go too far / exceed" and 敏 means "sensitive / quick." Allergy is when your body's sensitivity goes too far — it overreacts to something harmless as if it were an enemy.