Learn How to Pronounce quay

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quay

Definition:

(nou) wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline

Phonetic Transcription:

kiː

Examples:

Along the waterfront north of the alley passes the quay Kanslikajen.

The quay is on the Nile River.

The Liffey boardwalk covers the length of the quay.

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quay

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: quay

Learn Individual Sounds

Break quay down into individual sounds such as kiː. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of quay pronunciation

  1. Mispronouncing as "kway": Some people pronounce "quay" as "kway" (/kweɪ/), which is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is "kee" (/kiː/) in both US and UK English. Tip: Remember, "quay" rhymes with "sea."
  2. Ignoring silent letters: The "u" in "quay" is silent, leading some to mistakenly pronounce it as "kwey." The correct pronunciation is "kee" (/kiː/). Tip: Focus on the "k" sound followed by the long "ee" sound.
  3. Confusing with "key": Some may say "quay" like "key" (/kiː/), which is correct but can lead to confusion in context. "Quay" refers specifically to a structure on the water. Tip: Always clarify the context when using "quay."
  4. Overemphasizing the "q": People sometimes stress the "q" in "quay," making it sound like "kwey." The stress should be on the entire word, pronounced as "kee" (/kiː/). Tip: Practice saying "quay" smoothly to avoid overemphasis.
  5. Mixing up with "quay" in different dialects: In some regions, "quay" may be pronounced differently. However, the standard pronunciation is "kee" (/kiː/). Tip: When in doubt, refer to a trusted dictionary for guidance on pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct pronunciation of "quay"?

The word "quay" is pronounced as /kiː/ in both American English and British English. It rhymes with "key" and has one syllable, making it straightforward to say.

Does "quay" have a silent letter?

Yes, in the word "quay," the "u" is silent. This can be confusing for learners, but remember that the pronunciation focuses on the "k" and "ay" sounds.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "quay"?

A common mistake is to pronounce "quay" as /kwɑː/ or /kweɪ/, which can lead to misunderstandings. Focus on the correct sound /kiː/ to avoid confusion with similar words.

Is there a regional difference in how "quay" is pronounced?

No, "quay" has a consistent pronunciation of /kiː/ across both American and British English. This makes it easier for learners since they can use the same pronunciation regardless of the region.