So you’ve decided to learn the Arabic alphabet, but you got stuck on certain sounds? Don’t worry. We’re here to help! In the video below, Radia will explain how to differentiate between the Arabic letters kaf and qaf. We already talked about shadowing, particularly with English and Spanish. We recommend using that same technique here to learn how to pronounce these two distinct letters.

arabic letters kaf qaf

The Letter Kaf ك vs the letter Qaf ق

Before you get started, here’s an important note so as not to lose you. Radia uses the following transcription for the letters kaf and qaf :

  • kaf ك = Kāaf
  • qaf ق = Qāaf

You’ll also find these transcriptions in the MosaLingua Arabic App.

Table of contents
  1. How to Pronounce the Arabic Letters Qāaf (ق) vs Kāaf (ك)
  2. Pronunciation Exercises
    1. Differences between Qāaf (ق) and Kāaf (ك)
    2. Minimal Pairs
    3. Dialectic Anecdote
  3. Video – The Letters Qaaf vs Kaaf
  4. For More Information

How to Pronounce the Arabic Letters Qāaf (ق) vs Kāaf (ك)

In Arabic, Qāaf (ق) is the only letter pronounced by making a clicking sound at the back of the tongue above the throat. It’s very similar to the sound a cartoon character makes when swallowing their drink.

You may already be familiar with some clicking letters, since they’re very common in South African languages. These sounds are always nice to hear and almost impossible to learn. However, the clicking sound for Qāaf (ق) isn’t as intense in Arabic as it is with some of the other languages. It’s a bit lighter and therefore a bit easier.

Pronunciation Exercises

As you work through these pronunciation exercises, we recommend listening to the video below at the same time.

Let’s look at some examples of the letter ق (Qāaf) with words that have short vowels. Pay attention to where your tongue is, you’ll need to lift it.

Listen to the ق (Qaaf) with the vowel /a/ :

  • قَمَر /qamar/ – moon
  • قَلْب /qalb/ – heart
  • قَصْر /qaṣr/ – palace

Now ق (Qaaf) with /u/ :

  • قُدْس /quds/ – Jerusalem
  • قُرْآن /qur’aan/ – Quran
  • قُبَّعَة /qubba3a/ – hat

Lastly, ق (Qaaf) with /i/ :

  • قِطَار /qiṭaar/ – train
  • قِصَّة /qiṣṣa/ – story
  • قِنْدِيل /qindiil/ – jellyfish

Differences between Qāaf (ق) and Kāaf (ك)

Normally we don’t exaggerate the Qāaf (ق), but we’d recommend exaggerating it while you’re still learning with a focus to at least exaggerate enough that you can differentiate between the Qāaf (ق) and the Kāaf (ك). The difference between these two letters can be compared with Q and K in English. Kāaf (ك) makes a soft ‘k’ sound like in the word “kitty” : كاااا (kaaaaa). Meanwhile, Qāaf (ق) makes a rough ‘q’ sound with a click, like the sound of Daffy Duck’s “quack“: قاااا (qaaaaa)… That’s the ق (Qāaf).

To master Qāaf (ق), try doing what I call “reverse snoring” by breathing out with the back of your tongue touching the back of your throat. Kāaf (ك) is pronounced using the roof of your mouth while Qāaf (ق) is pronounced using the back of your throat. Your lips should form into a smile for Kāaf (ك) and form an “O” for Qāaf (ق).

Minimal Pairs

Listen carefully to these pairs so you can imitate both sounds and repeat after me:

  • كَلْب /kalb/ dog
    قَلْب /qalb/ heart
  • كُلّ /kull/ all
    قُلّ /qull/ say
  • تَكْرِير /takriir/ repeating
    تَقْرِير /taqriir/ report
  • لَكْمَة /lakma/ punch
    لُقْمَة /luqma/ bite
  • حَكّ /Hakk/ scratch
    حَقّ /Haqq/ truth
  • فَلَك /falak/ astronomy
    فَلَق /falaq/ separated

Dialectic Anecdote

Actually, ق (Qāaf) can also be pronounced with a simple (Aaa) sound. For example, in the Egyptian dialect, the word Qalb /qalb/ قَلْبٌ is actually pronounced Alb /alb/ أَلْبٌ . Pretty simple, right? Before you plunge into the specifics of all the different Arabic dialects, start with the pronunciation of Modern Standard Arabic.

In the meantime, continue to practice and train your ear to differentiate between ق (Qāaf) et ك (Kāaf).

Video – The Letters Qaaf vs Kaaf

We strongly recommend listening our Arabic Teacher Radia’s pronunciation to practice your own pronunciation of the Arabic letters kaf and qaf. The video below is in English, but subtitles are available in English, French, and 4 other languages by clicking on the gear in the bottom right of the video.

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For More Information

If you liked this article, check out more about Arabic here: