How to pronounce tryptophan
Say it like TRIP-toh-fan. Tryptophan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TRIP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tryptophan. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TRIP
- toh
- fan
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tryptophan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TRIPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- fanKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of tryptophan
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: TRIP-toh-fan.
What does tryptophan mean?
- An essential amino acid with an indole side chain; present in many foods, especially chocolate, oats, banana and milk; it is essential for normal growth and development and is the precursor of serotonin and niacin; any specific form of this compound, or any derivative of it.
Questions about saying tryptophan
How do you pronounce tryptophan?
Say TRIP-toh-fan. The American pronunciation is /ˈtrɪptoʊfæn/. In British English it is /ˈtrɪptəʊfæn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tryptophan?
Tryptophan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TRIP). Broken into parts: TRIP · toh · fan.
Is tryptophan 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 /ˈtrɪptəʊfæn/ (TRIP-toh-fan).