If you enjoy modern psychedelic‑funk or have seen festival line‑ups, you’ve likely come across the Texas trio Khruangbin and wondered how to say their name. It’s Thai, looks tricky, but is surprisingly simple once you know the sounds.

Step‑by‑Step Pronunciation Guide

• Phonetic spelling: /kʰruaŋˈbin/
• Simplified: KRUNG‑bin

Breaking it down

1. Khrung – starts with a breathy “k‑hr” that blends into KRUNG (rhymes with “brung”).
2. bin – a quick bin like “bin” in “binoculars.”

Put the stress on the second part: krung‑BIN.

Tip: In Thai you’d hear a softer vowel glide, closer to “kroo‑ng‑BEEN,” but the band themselves say KRUNG‑bin in English interviews.

Common Mispronunciations

• Saying “kroo‑ANG‑bin” with an extra “ang”
• Pronouncing it “kroo‑BIN” (missing the ‘r’ sound)
• Stressing the first syllable: “KRUNG‑bin” is correct; “KRUNG” should be quick, “BIN” slightly stressed.

Practice Sentences

• “I’m going to see Khruangbin live tonight.”
• “The grooves on every Khruangbin album are super chill.”
• “Did you know ‘Khruangbin’ literally means airplane in Thai?”

Khruangbin in Music Culture

The Houston‑based trio blends Thai funk, dub, soul, and surf guitar into dreamy instrumentals and laid‑back vocals. Albums like The Universe Smiles upon You and Mordechai have earned them a global following.

“Khruangbin” (เครื่องบิน) is the Thai word for airplane. The band chose it to honor the vintage Thai funk that inspired their early sound.