A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Albuquerque
Pronounce Albuquerque like the locals: AL-buh-KER-kee. A common mistake is to drop the 'r' sound.
albuquerque
AL-buh-KER-kee
/ˌælbəˈkɜːrki/ · AL · buh · KER · kee
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also the name of a major city in New Mexico.
Where the word comes from
The city is named after the Spanish conquistador Francisco de Albuquerque. The name itself is of Basque origin, meaning 'white oak'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- al-buh-KER-kee Some people pronounce the 'que' like 'kway', but it's a hard 'k' sound in English, similar to 'key'.
- AL-buh-ker-KEE The stress falls on the third syllable, 'KER', not the last syllable.
Frequently asked
How do Americans say Albuquerque?
Most Americans pronounce it as AL-buh-KER-kee. The stress is on the third syllable.
Is Albuquerque pronounced with a 'k' sound?
Yes, the 'que' at the end is pronounced with a hard 'k' sound, like in 'key' or 'keg'.
What's the most common mistake when saying Albuquerque?
A frequent error is misplacing the stress or pronouncing the final 'que' incorrectly. Remember AL-buh-KER-kee.
How is Albuquerque pronounced in Spanish?
In Spanish, Albuquerque is pronounced roughly as 'al-buh-KER-keh'. The 'qu' makes a 'k' sound, and the 'c' at the end is soft.
What's the correct Albuquerque pronunciation?
The most common pronunciation in American English is 'AL-buh-ker-kee'. The stress is on the first syllable, and the final 'e' is pronounced as a long 'e' sound.
How do you say Albuquerque in Navajo?
The Navajo name for Albuquerque is 'Tó Naneesdizí', meaning 'place of the circling water'.
What does Albuquerque mean in English?
Albuquerque is a Spanish surname meaning 'white oak'. The city was named after the Duke of Albuquerque.
