HOW TO PRONOUNCE KRATOM?

By Asad Muneer

Aug 27, 2025

Table of Contents

If you've ever wondered how to pronounce kratom, you're not alone. Kratom has grown in popularity across the United States and beyond, but one thing that continues to confuse people is how to say it correctly.

Kratom is one of those words that feels like a pop quiz every time you say it out loud. Depending on where you're from or who you're talking to, you might hear several different versions.

So, what is the correct way to pronounce kratom? Is there even such a thing?

Where Does Kratom Come From?

Before we get tangled up in syllables, let’s talk about where kratom comes from.

Kratom comes from the lush green rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. Traditionally, kratom leaves were chewed or brewed into tea to promote energy and relaxation.

Today, you can consume kratom in many forms: powder, tea bags, capsules, tablets, gummies, and shots.

In modern times, you may choose kratom to boost productivity or creativity.

Common Ways People Pronounce Kratom

The confusion around how to pronounce kratom stems from the fact that it's a transliterated word and doesn’t have a standardized pronunciation in English.

Here are the most common variations you'll hear in the U.S. and other English-speaking countries:

KRAY-tom (rhyming with "freedom")
KRAH-tom (rhyming with "bottom")
KRAH-tome (with a long "o" sound at the end)
KRAT-um (with a flat “a,” similar to “atom”)
KRAE-tum (rhyming with "datum")

Among these, KRAY-tom is likely the most widely heard in the United States. However, KRAH-tom is also common and is often thought to be closer to the original Southeast Asian pronunciation.

Just like pronunciation, you may wanna read about kratom myths debunked.

Is There a “Correct” Way to Pronounce Kratom?

So, what is the correct way to pronounce kratom? Technically, there is no single "correct" pronunciation in English. Since “kratom” is a borrowed word and there’s no universally agreed-upon pronunciation, regional differences and personal preferences play a big role.

Some dictionaries list KRAY-tom as the standard American pronunciation, while others include KRAH-tom as a valid alternative. It's similar to how English speakers pronounce “tomato” differently depending on whether they’re from the U.S. or the U.K.

How Kratom Is Pronounced in Southeast Asia

To get closer to the root of the word, let’s look at kratom pronunciation in its native regions. In Thailand, where the plant is indigenous and has been used for generations, the word is written in Thai as "กระท่อม."

Locals often pronounce kratom differently, or even call it by other names, like ketum in Malaysia. In Thailand, it sounds more like "kruh-tome," though the exact pronunciation is hard to capture in English.

That’s because Thai uses a different alphabet, and sounds like the “k” in kratom don’t translate perfectly. It’s an unaspirated “k,” falling somewhere between a “g” and a “k” in English, though most English speakers use a hard “K” sound. Similar to coffee.

So, does the pronunciation have to match the original? Not necessarily. With so many regional differences and English speakers unfamiliar with Thai or Malay, it’s okay to use the version that feels most natural to you.

Speaking of natural, here are two herbs you should know about: Kratom and Kava.

Kratom's Scientific Name: Mitragyna speciosa

Another way to sidestep the whole kratom pronunciation debate is to use its scientific name, Mitragyna speciosa. Get to know more about mitragynine, the active ingredient, here.

While it’s a mouthful, it’s also precise. Here's how to pronounce it:

Mitragyna: mih-TRAH-jin-uh or MY-truh-jee-nuh
Speciosa: spee-shee-OH-suh or spee-see-OH-suh

Even among scientists and professionals, pronunciation varies. The takeaway? Even with scientific names, there's room for variation, just like there is with how to pronounce kratom.

Final Thoughts: Say Kratom Your Way!

Language evolves, and regional accents, personal experience, and cultural context often influence pronunciation. When it comes to how to pronounce kratom, there’s no single answer that’s universally correct. Whether you say KRAY-tom, KRAH-tom, or kra-tom, you’re in good company.

Still unsure? Choose the version that feels most natural to you, or go with the one your local community uses. We delve into details on finding kratom near you here.