Hard
How to Pronounce Qatar
KAH-tar
/ˈkɑːtɑːr/
Syllable Breakdown
KAHtar
The official English pronunciation is KAH-tar. The Arabic is more like 'GUTtar' with a 'q' that comes from deep in the throat. 'KAT-ar' (to rhyme with 'batter') is the most common mispronunciation.
How Locals Say It
قطر (Qaṭar)
Qaṭar = gut-AHR (Arabic, 'q' from deep throat)
Common Mistakes
KAT-arkuh-TARguh-TAR
Fun Fact About the Name
Qatar's name in Arabic uses the letter Qāf (ق) — a deep throat consonant with no English equivalent. The BBC officially settled on 'KAH-tar' for 2022. Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East, moving the tournament to winter months for the first time.
Qatar at World Cup 2026
Qatar competes in the AFC confederation.
View Qatar squad analysis →