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The letter q, used in phonetic transcription for a uvular stop.
Also known as: IPA q, Voiceless uvular stop
In the International Phonetic Alphabet the letter q denotes a voiceless uvular plosive, made by closing the very back of the tongue against the uvula. It is a distinct sound from the velar k, further back in the mouth.
Denotes a voiceless uvular plosive, formed by contact between the back of the tongue and the uvula.
Contexts: Language and transcription
Contrasts with the velar plosive in Arabic, Inuktitut, Quechua and the languages of the Caucasus, where the two are separate phonemes.
Contexts: Language and transcription
A lower-case Latin letter q: a closed bowl with a vertical stroke descending below the writing line from its right side.