Need a Japanese word that I don't know and can't find.
 

I am taking a student group to Japan shortly. I speak very basic but "functional" Japanese.

One of the group has a food allergy to "bivalve shelfish". Not stuff like shrimp and lobster. Apparently not single shell types of shelfish either. Just stuff like clams........ most "bivalves".

I have taught her how to say that she has a food allergy to clams (and "kai" in general). But we need to extend that thought to ALL bivalves (but not inadvertantly to stuff like shrimp).

So a more general term like a generic "shellfish" might result in her not getting stuff like shrimp.... which she does eat and loves.

So can anyone here please tell me the correct Japanese term for only bivalve types of shelfish?

And would the average Japanese waiter or waitress actually recognize that "bivalve" term, or would only a marine biologist know it? ;)

I'd appreciate any help you might give here. The life you save might appreciate it too <lol>.

best,

...................john

The word is 二枚貝　（にまいがい） .

Anyone would know the word.

You Japanese people really know your seafood taxonomy! :) I sure don't know what "bivalve shellfish" is in English!

Bivalve meaning two shells on a hinge. XD like clams have a 'top' shell and a 'bottom' shell but say like whelks have one shell.

You learn it at your mother’s knee, my guy! (No pun intended.)

See, when I hear the "valve" part, I start wondering about internal organ structure, not about the shells! I don't eat shellfish of any type...

さむい！

related note for the learners and light-hearted amongst us: http://www.planetransfer.com/natsumi/oyajigag/

My award-winning pun-making skills aside, I would feel somewhat safer if your student brought a list of phrases to show at restaurants because Japanese are simply not used to talking about seafood allergies and the waiters/chefs might not take them too seriously.

I will be happy to lend a knee if you feel the same way.

どもありがとございますよ。

I REALLY appreciate the very fast response. :)

best,

..............john

Oh, and yes, she will have it in writing too. I was planning on that.

Various forms of seafood are insideous in Japan....... things sneak into food dishes that sometimes you don't exxpect to be in there ;) .

best,

...............john