How to pronounce protein
Say it like PROH-teen. Protein has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROH).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce protein. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈproʊˌtin/PROH-teen
UK British/ˈprəʊˌtiːn/PROH-teen
- PROH
- teen
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Protein pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PROHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- teenGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of protein
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: PROH-teen.
What does protein mean?
noun
- any of a large group of nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes“a diet high in protein”
Questions about saying protein
How do you pronounce protein?
Say PROH-teen. The American pronunciation is /ˈproʊˌtin/. In British English it is /ˈprəʊˌtiːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in protein?
Protein has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROH). Broken into parts: PROH · teen.
Is protein pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈprəʊˌtiːn/ (PROH-teen).