A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Queso
How to pronounce 'queso' English speaker, with a nod to its Spanish roots. Easy.
queso
KAY-so
/ˈkeɪ.soʊ/ · KAY · so
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also used more broadly to mean cheese in Spanish-speaking contexts or when discussing Spanish cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word 'queso' is the Spanish word for cheese. It comes from the Latin word 'caseus', also meaning cheese.
Common ways people get it wrong
- KWEH-so Some English speakers try to pronounce the 'qu' as in 'queen', but in Spanish, 'qu' before 'e' or 'i' is pronounced like a hard 'k'.
- KEH-so The 'e' in the first syllable is typically pronounced like the 'a' in 'say' or 'day' in American English, not like the 'e' in 'bet'.
Frequently asked
Is queso Spanish for cheese?
Yes, 'queso' is the Spanish word for cheese. In the US, it commonly refers to a specific type of melted cheese dip.
How do Americans usually say queso?
Most Americans pronounce it KAY-so, with the stress on the first syllable. This is the most common pronunciation in the US.
Should I pronounce the 'qu' like 'kw'?
No, in this word, the 'qu' is pronounced like a 'k' sound. Think 'kay-so', not 'kway-so'.
