English pronunciation · Words Starting with Q

Qatar Pronunciation

Qatar is pronounced kuh-TAHR, IPA /ˌkəˈtɑr/.

kuh-TAHR

US /ˌkəˈtɑr/

Syllables: kuh · TAHR (2 syllables, stress on syllable 2)

proper noun: A small country on a peninsula in the Persian Gulf, with Doha as its capital.

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Qatar in a Sentence

  • Qatar hosted the tournament in winter because of the heat.
  • The flight to Qatar takes seven hours.
  • Most of the population of Qatar lives in or near Doha.

Common Mispronunciations of Qatar

Not kuh-TAR

English speakers disagree about this name more than almost any other. The anglicised kuh-TAHR is standard in broadcasting, while KAT-ar and a clipped CUT-ter are both heard from people trying to get closer to the Arabic.

Tip: The Arabic original begins with a sound made far back in the throat that English does not have, so no English version is exact. Choose one and stay with it.

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