Pronouncing “q”

The sound q is similar to k. Both sounds are voiceless stop sounds. The difference is the place where the airflow is blocked — q is made farther back in the throat than k.

Pronunciation exercise

1. Open your mouth.
2. Say “aah,” as you would at a doctor’s office.
3. Keep the tongue flat.
4. Pull the tongue backwards.
5. Use the base of the tongue to block the airflow against the throat.
6. Keep your mouth open.
7. Practise blocking the airflow without making a sound.
8. Release the blocked air strongly.

The sound produced is q.