How to Pronounce Qatar
Table of Contents
π€ Correct Pronunciations
There are two common pronunciations:
β
Native Arabic Pronunciation πΆπ¦:
"Guh-TAR" (/Ι‘ΙΛΛtΙΛr/) β The "Q" sounds like a soft "G," and the "T" is emphasized.
β
Common English Pronunciation πΊπΈπ¬π§:
"Kuh-TAR" (/kΙΛtΙΛr/) β The "Q" is pronounced like "K."
π£οΈ How Do People Say "Qatar" in Different Places?
Pronunciation |
Sounds Like |
Used By |
"Guh-TAR" |
"Gutter" (but softer) |
Native Arabic speakers |
"Kuh-TAR" |
"Ka-TAR" |
Common in the USA & UK |
"CUT-ter" |
"Cutter" |
Some Americans say it this way |
π Best Option? If you want to be correct, say "Guh-TAR" (closer to Arabic). But in English-speaking countries, "Kuh-TAR" is acceptable.

β Common Mistakes When Pronouncing "Qatar"
β "Kay-tar" β Incorrect, the "Q" is not like "Kay."
β "Quah-tar" β Incorrect, there is no "W" sound.
β "Kwah-ter" β Incorrect, the "T" is stronger.
β Correct: Say "Guh-TAR" or "Kuh-TAR" for easy pronunciation.
π Tip: Listen to native speakers online (YouTube) to hear the exact sound!
FAQs About "Qatar" Pronunciation
What is the correct way to say "Qatar"?
β‘οΈ The closest to Arabic is "Guh-TAR".
How do English speakers say "Qatar"?
β‘οΈ Most say "Kuh-TAR" or "CUT-ter."
Why is "Qatar" hard to pronounce?
β‘οΈ Because the "Q" sound in Arabic is deep in the throat, which English does not have.
Is "Cutter" a correct pronunciation?
β‘οΈ Some Americans say "Cutter" casually, but it is not the original pronunciation.
How do Qataris pronounce "Qatar"?
β‘οΈ They say it as "Guh-TAR", with a soft "G" sound.