Ways to Say You’re Vegan or Vegetarian Around the World

If you’re vegan or vegetarian and love to travel, being able to communicate your dietary preferences in different languages is essential. From finding plant-based meals at local restaurants to explaining why you avoid certain foods, knowing how to say, “I’m vegan” or “I’m vegetarian” can be a lifesaver. This guide shows you how to order food in various languages, with helpful tips to ensure you’re understood wherever you go.

1. Spanish

I’m vegetarian: Soy vegetariano/a (If you are male, use “vegetariano”; if you are female, use “vegetariana.”)

I’m vegan: Soy vegano/a

Tip: If you’re vegan, add “sin productos animales” (without animal products) to be clear, as “vegetariano” may sometimes imply that you consume animal products like eggs or cheese.

2. French

I’m vegetarian: Je suis végétarien/ne (For males, use “végétarien”; for females, use “végétarienne.”)

I’m vegan: Je suis végétalien/ne

Hint: The French word for veganism, végétalien, is less known in non-major cities, so you may need to explain that it means no animal products at all.

3. Italian

I’m vegetarian: Sono vegetariano/a

I’m vegan: Sono vegano/a

Tip: Italians are generally familiar with vegetariano, but veganism might be less common in smaller towns. If needed, clarify by saying “niente prodotti animali” (no animal products).

4. German

I’m vegetarian: Ich bin Vegetarier/in (“Vegetarier” for males, “Vegetarierin” for females)

I’m vegan: Ich bin Veganer/in

Tip: Vegetarisch and vegan options are widely available in cities and on menus, as plant-based diets are increasingly common in Germany.

5. Portuguese (Brazilian and European)

I’m vegetarian: Sou vegetariano/a

I’m vegan: Sou vegano/a

Hint: Dairy and eggs may still appear in vegetarian dishes, so if you’re vegan, specify “sem produtos de origem animal” (without animal-based products).

6. Chinese (Mandarin)

I’m vegetarian: 我是素食者 (Wǒ shì sùshí zhě)

I’m vegan: 我是纯素食者 (Wǒ shì chún sùshí zhě)

Tip: Chinese cooking often uses meat-based broths even in vegetable dishes. Emphasize 没有肉、没有蛋、没有奶 (méiyǒu ròu, méiyǒu dàn, méiyǒu nǎi) meaning “no meat, no eggs, no milk.”

7. Japanese

I’m vegetarian: 私はベジタリアンです (Watashi wa bejitarian desu)

I’m vegan: 私はヴィーガンです (Watashi wa vīgan desu)

Good to Know: Vegetarianism and veganism are less common in Japan; say 肉、卵、乳製品なし (niku, tamago, nyū-seihin nashi) to specify “no meat, eggs, or dairy products.”

8. Russian

I’m vegetarian: Я вегетарианец/вегетарианка (Ya vegetarianets/vegetarianka) (“вегетарианец” for males, “вегетарианка” for females)

I’m vegan: Я веган/веганка (Ya vegan/veganka)

Tip: Vegetarianism and veganism are gaining popularity in Russia, especially in larger cities. Add “без продуктов животного происхождения” (bez produktov zhivotnogo proiskhozhdeniya) to clarify that you do not consume animal products.

9. Arabic

I’m vegetarian: أنا نباتي/نباتية (Ana nabati/nabatiyah) (For males, use “نباتي”, and for females, use “نباتية”)

I’m vegan: أنا نباتي بالكامل (Ana nabati bialkamil) – meaning “completely vegetarian”

Tip: Veganism is still emerging in many Arabic-speaking countries. Say “بدون منتجات حيوانية” (bidoon muntajat hayawaniya) to mean “without animal products.”

10. Hindi

I’m vegetarian: मैं शाकाहारी हूँ (Main shakahaari hoon)

I’m vegan: मैं पूर्ण शाकाहारी हूँ (Main poorn shakahaari hoon) – meaning “I am a complete vegetarian”

Tip: Although vegetarianism has a long history in India, the term “vegan” may still be unfamiliar. Use दूध और अंडा नहीं (doodh aur anda nahin) meaning “no milk or eggs.”

Key Phrases to Help You Order

Wherever you go, it is good to memorize a few essential phrases:

  • No meat: Knowing how to say this in different languages can save confusion.
  • No eggs, no dairy, no animal products: This ensures clarity.
  • Is this vegetarian/vegan? Asking directly helps clarify with restaurant staff.

Final Tips for Traveling as a Vegan or Vegetarian

  • Download a translation app: Many translation apps, like Google Translate, offer offline language packs and voice translations.
  • Use travel-friendly resources: Apps like HappyCow can help you find vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants worldwide.
  • Learn the names of cultural foods: Knowing native plant-based dishes can make ordering easier, even in places without explicitly vegan options.

These phrases and tips equip you with the tools to navigate menus and explain your preferences confidently, making each meal a little easier and more enjoyable!

logo

Hello, We make language learning accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience.

Explore Topics

Advertisement