“Qu" is the standard spelling for almost all words beginning with "q," and they are almost always pronounced like "kw." A few exceptions are loan words from other languages or invented words (tech words, company names, etc.), which would just be pronounced with a "k" and no "w."
Here is a list of “q” words with the standard pronunciation “kw:”
kw- queer, quite, question, quip, quiet, quail, aquavita, aquarius, aquatic, quest, acquire, acquit, quince, qwerty (like the keyboard), quell, queen, query, quote, quotation, Qantas (the airline), equipment, equal, equality, quarter, quantum, quack, quad, qualify, quantity, quarantine, quiz, quit
These words have “qu” or just “q” and are pronounced like “k:”
k- antique, qindarka (Albanian money), Compaq, Nasdaq, coq, Quran, Qatar, queue, quiche, piquant, piqued, cirque, qintar
When in doubt, use "kw" when you encounter a new "q" word, as it is the most likely pronunciation. To be certain, use your online dictionary resources to hear the correct pronunciation.
Here is a list of “q” words with the standard pronunciation “kw:”
kw- queer, quite, question, quip, quiet, quail, aquavita, aquarius, aquatic, quest, acquire, acquit, quince, qwerty (like the keyboard), quell, queen, query, quote, quotation, Qantas (the airline), equipment, equal, equality, quarter, quantum, quack, quad, qualify, quantity, quarantine, quiz, quit
These words have “qu” or just “q” and are pronounced like “k:”
k- antique, qindarka (Albanian money), Compaq, Nasdaq, coq, Quran, Qatar, queue, quiche, piquant, piqued, cirque, qintar
When in doubt, use "kw" when you encounter a new "q" word, as it is the most likely pronunciation. To be certain, use your online dictionary resources to hear the correct pronunciation.
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