过敏

• Pinyin: guò mǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 过 = 辶 (walk) + 寸 — to pass, excessive; 敏 = 每 (every) + 攵 (strike) — quick, sensitive

Meaning

To be allergic; allergy; allergic. A hypersensitive reaction of the body to certain substances, or having such sensitivity.

Medically refers to allergic reactions. Used with 对...过敏 (allergic to...). Common allergens include 花粉过敏 (pollen allergy), 海鲜过敏 (seafood allergy). Figuratively can mean being overly sensitive to criticism or situations.

Examples

1. 我对海鲜过敏，不能吃虾蟹。 I'm allergic to seafood and can't eat shrimp or crab.
2. 春天花粉多，容易引起过敏反应。 There's lots of pollen in spring, which easily triggers allergic reactions.
3. 医生问我有没有什么过敏史。 The doctor asked if I have any history of allergies.

Usage Guide

Context: health, medical, everyday

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 你对什么东西过敏吗？(Are you allergic to anything?)
• 吃了这个药，过敏症状就会减轻。(After taking this medicine, the allergy symptoms will lessen.)

Don't Say

• 说'我过敏你的话'表示对话语敏感 (Don't use 过敏 for emotional sensitivity to words — use 敏感 or 在意; 过敏 is primarily medical)

Origin & History

过 (excessive, to pass) + 敏 (sensitive, quick). Together meaning overly sensitive or hypersensitive reaction.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal