The letter ‘q’ in Spanish almost invariably appears followed by the letter ‘u,’ forming the digraph ‘qu.’ This combination typically produces a ‘k’ sound before ‘e’ and ‘i,’ and sometimes before ‘a’ and ‘o’ For example, ‘queso’ (cheese) is pronounced like ‘keso,’ and ‘quin’ (who) is pronounced ‘kee-en’. Occasionally, especially in words of Arabic origin, ‘q’ is followed by other vowels or consonants. This digraph often simplifies the spelling of loanwords from Latin and other languages.
Understanding the function of ‘qu’ is fundamental to Spanish pronunciation and spelling. This unique orthographic feature distinguishes Spanish from other Romance languages and reflects its historical evolution, including the influence of Arabic during the Moorish period. Mastering this aspect allows learners to decode new vocabulary effectively and avoid mispronunciation. This also provides insights into the etymology of words and the historical connections between languages.