How to pronounce ketchup
Say it like KECH-up. Ketchup has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KECH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ketchup. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KECH
- up
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ketchup pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KECHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- upKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of ketchup
American and British speakers say ketchup in essentially the same way: /ˈkɛtʃəp/ in the US and /ˈkɛtʃəp/ in the UK.
British respelling: KECH-up.
What does ketchup mean?
- To cover with ketchup.
Where does ketchup come from?
Catsup (earlier catchup) is an alternative Anglicization, still in use in the U.S., though it is now somewhat rare.
Questions about saying ketchup
How do you pronounce ketchup?
Say KECH-up. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛtʃəp/. In British English it is /ˈkɛtʃəp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ketchup?
Ketchup has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KECH). Broken into parts: KECH · up.
Do Americans and Brits say ketchup the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkɛtʃəp/ and the British form is /ˈkɛtʃəp/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.