Have you ever wondered how to pronounce Kratom? This unique plant has various benefits that make it popular among people who are looking for an alternative to prescription medications.
Kratom can help manage pain, anxiety, and depression. It can also increase energy levels and promote relaxation. However, before you can reap the benefits of this herb, you need to learn how to pronounce Kratom correctly.Â
The pronunciation of Kratom is a contentious topic, with many variations in how the word is said. Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that, when ingested, stimulates the opiate receptors in the brain. Some in English-speaking countries refer to it as Kratom, while others in places like Malaysia call it Kratom or Kedhum.
Let’s take a closer look at how to say Kratom.
What Does The Dictionary Say?
Oxford University says that the word Kratom is pronounced “keh-TUM.” However, many people feel that this pronunciation of the second syllable sounds too awkward.
According to the Oxford University Press, the second syllable should be pronounced like the phonetic sound “tuh.” The example given in the dictionary is the word phonetic.
The American Heritage Dictionary also gives the pronunciation as Kuh-TUM but notes that some say saying it with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.
What Are Other Different Pronunciations Of Kratom?
Besides the two mentioned above, there are many other different pronunciations of Kratom.
KRAT-um
There are those who say the word Kratom as KRAT-um. The emphasis is on the first syllable and the “t” is pronounced like in the word tomato. This pronunciation seems to be favoured by people in North America.
KRAY-tum
Rather than stressing the first syllable, some people put more emphasis on the second syllable. This pronunciation is favoured by those in places like Malaysia and Thailand.
Which Pronunciation Is Correct?
Pronunciation rules in English are complex. Because there are so many variations in pronunciation, it’s practically hard to pinpoint one as “correct” or “wrong.”
There are numerous words that sound like KRAY-tum, but many terms sound like KRAT-um. Due to cultural variations, there are many different ways to pronounce the “a” sound, which may lead to a wide range of pronunciations for the word “kratom.”
In their recent interviews, kratom advocates like the American Kratom Association continue to refer to the plant as KRAY-tum even though many kratom customers argue that KRAT-um is the accurate pronunciation. Is this a sign that one is better than the other?
As an intriguing side point, kratom enthusiasts feel that the plant’s pronunciation in its original nations should be included when pronouncing the term in English. Then we’ll see how it affects things.
How Is Kratom Pronounced In Native Countries?
If you’re looking for Kratom, you won’t find it in the United States or other English-speaking areas. When Kratom was first being produced in Southeast Asia in the 1930s, it was named Kratom. Southeast Asia areas including Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are the plant’s primary producers, harvesters, and exporters.
Indonesian Vocal Style
Kratom is intriguing to listen to when spoken in Indonesian. They pronounce “Kra-them” with a completely distinct sound.’ Kra has the same traditional pronunciation as spa, but the ‘TH’ adds some distinction. “T” is used to make an “H” sound.
Thai Accent
Kratom is a big business in Thailand, and the country produces a lot of it. Kruh-tome is how they say it. The emphasis is on Kruh, and tome seems like a tone, similar to skin tone.
The Malaysian Tongue
Kratom is pronounced differently in Malaysia. It is spoken like Keatom or Key-tum, with the ‘r’ in the name being spelt out. When you hear the word “key,” it conjures up images of an atom. ‘Kea’ or ‘Kay’ said in this way sounded acceptable to the ear.
Malay, a popular strain from Malaysia, is among the exporting countries and is recognized for its miraculous results. So, if you’re looking for Malay varieties, you may utilize the pronunciation.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
How do you know which native pronunciation to use?
The pronunciation of a word is not static, and it can change over time. What may be correct in one area may not be considered valid. The pronunciation of Kratom will likely continue to evolve as the plant becomes more popular in the United States and other English-speaking countries.
What is the scientific name & pronunciation of Kratom?
Among the many names used to refer to Kratom, there is a debate over which one is the scientific name. The most accepted would be Mitragyna speciosa, and the pronunciation would be pronounced as (mit-ra-GIN-uh spi-SOH-uh).
Is there a Kratom correction?
Many have argued that since Kratom was first discovered in Southeast Asia, it should be pronounced according to the linguistics of this region. So, if you’re wondering whether you are pronouncing the word correctly, you aren’t alone.
There has been significant discussion surrounding the debate of whether to pronounce it KRAT-um or KRAY-tum. There is no set answer, and this issue will continue to be discussed time and time again–even if there is a correction.
Despite the controversy over the pronunciation, one thing is sure: Kratom has made a considerable impact on the world–especially in areas such as Asia and the United States.
Does it matter how Kratom is pronounced?
The answer is a resounding “YES!”
While it may seem inconsequential, the proper pronunciation of Kratom can actually make a big difference. Mispronouncing the word can lead to misunderstandings and potential disputes.
It’s essential to be mindful of how you say Kratom, especially if you are in a position to influence others. If you are unsure of the correct pronunciation, do some research before speaking about the plant publicly.
However, there are times when you may intentionally say the word wrong. This can be done to distance oneself from the stigma associated with Kratom. It’s important to know that even if someone says Kratom incorrectly, it doesn’t mean they’re uninformed about the plant.
When should you use the term Kratom?
If you are reading or writing about Kratom, it is important to use the correct terminology. This will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there is no confusion.
It’s also important to use the term kratom when speaking with others who are familiar with the plant. This will help to build consensus and create a community of people who are interested in learning about it.
What is the plural form of Kratom?
If you are wondering what the plural form of Kratom is, you should know that there isn’t one–at least not in English. This may be different depending on the language. For example, in Spanish and French, plurals can add an ‘s’ or ‘es.’
If you are looking for the plural term, consider using varieties or strains. This will be sufficient in most cases and won’t lead to any confusion.
Do you pronounce Kratom as a single word, or is it broken down?
Some people may prefer to pronounce Kratom as a single word, whereas others will say it is broken down. There is no right or wrong answer, and it largely depends on personal preference.
In some cases, you may hear people say krat-um or Kray-tum. As mentioned earlier, there is no set answer, and the pronunciation will continue to evolve.
Conclusion
Even though Kratom has no set pronunciation, you can follow the standard guidelines if you are unsure.
Hence, the most important thing is to know how the word is pronounced and use it correctly to avoid any confusion. Additionally, it’s important to use the correct terminology when writing about it.