Tryptophan is usually pronounced “TRIP-tuh-fan.”

Basic pronunciation

  • Standard American English: TRIP-tuh-fan (IPA: ˈtrɪp-tə-fæn).
  • British English variant: TRIP-tuh-fuhn (slightly less “a” sound at the end).

Syllable breakdown

  • 3 parts: trip – tuh – fan.
  • Stress the first syllable: TRIP -tuh-fan, keeping the last two syllables short and relaxed.

Quick pronunciation tips

  • Say “trip,” like taking a trip.
  • Add a very light “tuh.”
  • Finish with “fan” (as in a sports fan), without over-emphasizing it.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.