You’ll often hear the country name “Qatar” during World Cup matches, airline ads, or news from the Gulf. Yet pronunciations vary—everything from “kuh‑TAR” to “KAH‑ter” to “GUT‑ter.” This guide clears up the confusion so you can say it confidently.

Step‑by‑Step Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic (approximate English): /kuh‑TAR/ or /KAH‑tar/
Closest Arabic: /ˈqɑtˤɑr/ (a deep throaty “q”).

Simplified versions commonly accepted in English

1. kuh‑TAR – most common in North America.
2. KAH‑tar – often heard in UK broadcasts.

Breaking it down for “kuh‑TAR”
• kuh – a quick, unstressed “kuh,” like the start of “cut.”
• TAR – stressed, rhymes with “car.”

For “KAH‑tar”
• KAH – like “car” but shorter.
• tar – softer second syllable.

Arabic speakers use a deeper q sound produced at the back of the throat, something like “GAH‑tar” but without a hard “g.” If you can’t make that sound, “kuh‑TAR” is widely understood.

Common Mispronunciations

• Saying “kuh‑TAR‑uh” with three syllables
• Pronouncing it “QUA‑tar” (like “quarter”)
• Using a hard “g” as in “gutter” (sounds sloppy in English)

Practice Sentences

• “Qatar will host another major sporting event next year.”
• “I’m flying to Doha on Qatar Airways.”
• “Natural gas exports power much of Qatar’s economy.”

Qatar is a small, wealthy peninsula nation on the Arabian Gulf. Its capital is Doha, and it’s known for natural‑gas wealth, modern architecture, and sports events like the 2022 FIFA World Cup.