2 syllables: Que, bec. Stress on bec.
kwuh-BEK
/kwəˈbɛk/
Quebec is pronounced kwuh-BEK (/kwəˈbɛk/). It has two syllables (Que-bec), with the stress on "bec". Quebec is a proper noun referring to a Canadian province, its largest city, and to people or things associated with that region. It is used in English to denote both the province and its cultural identity; in French, it refers specifically to the province as “Québec.” The term carries regional, political, and cultural connotations and is pronounced with attention to stress and syllable structure in English and French contexts.
nounQuebec is a proper noun referring to a Canadian province, its largest city, and to people or things associated with that region. It is used in English to denote both the province and its cultural identity; in French, it refers specifically to the province as “Québec.” The term carries regional, political, and cultural connotations and is pronounced with attention to stress and syllable structure in English and French contexts.
"I visited Quebec City last summer to explore its historic streets."
"French Canada influences abound in Montreal, nicknamed the heart of Quebec."
"The Quebec Act of 1774 had a lasting impact on the province’s governance."
In English, pronounce as /kweɪˈbɛk/ (KWEH-bek), with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable contains a /kw/ onset and /eɪ/ diphthong; the final /k/ is a crisp stop. In French, it’s /ke.bɛk/ (keh-BEK) with roughly even syllable weights and a rounded /e/ in the first vowel. Listen for the subtle difference: Anglophone Qué-bec vs. Francophone Québec.
Common errors include pronouncing it as /ˈkwiːbɪk/ or /kweˈbɪk/ with incorrect vowel quality, and misplacing the stress as on the first syllable. Another error is conflating the English /kw/ onset with a simpler /kw/ or dropping the /eɪ/ diphthong. Correct by aiming for /kweɪˈbek/ and keeping the final /k/ aspirated. For French influence, switch to /keˈbɛk/ if speaking like a Francophone.
US English typically uses /kweɪˈbek/ with clear /eɪ/ and a strong /k/; UK English is similar but might have a slightly less pronounced /ɪ/ before /k/ in rapid speech. Australian English shares /kweɪˈbek/ features but with a more centralized vowel quality in some speakers. Francophone pronunciation (Québec) uses /keˈbɛk/ with a shorter first vowel and a more open /ɛ/ in the second syllable. In bilingual media you may hear hybrids blending these patterns.
Key challenges include the diphthong in the first syllable /eɪ/ transitioning to the stressed /bek/ cluster, and the final /k/ sound which can be slurred in fast speech. The word also toggles between English and French pronunciations, requiring awareness of native accent cues and regional variation. Practicing the two primary vowels (/eɪ/ vs /ɛ/) and maintaining the /kw/ onset helps you avoid common missteps.
A unique aspect is the bilingual expectation: English speakers often default to /kweɪˈbek/ while Francophones naturally produce /keˈbɛk/. When switching between languages, be mindful of preserving the diphthong in English and the steadier vowel in French, and ensure the stress is clearly on the second syllable in English while maintaining even syllable weight in French.
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The name Quebec originates from the Algonquin word kebec or quebek, meaning ‘where the river narrows’ or ‘trading post.’ The French explorer Samuel de Champlain adopted the term after establishing Quebec City in 1608, using it to denote the broader region. In English usage, Quebec refers to the province in eastern Canada, while in French it is Québec, with the accent indicating stress and a distinct vowel quality. The term has deep colonial roots, evolving from Indigenous to European linguistic contact and into a modern political-territorial designation. Its first known use in English dates to the early 17th century, reflecting France’s territorial claims and subsequent British control, with the modern municipality and province preserving the original place-name pronunciation while adapting to anglicized phonotactics. Over centuries, the word has accrued cultural and political associations, notably tied to Quebec nationalism, language rights (notably French), and regional identity that shape its pronunciation in bilingual contexts.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Quebec" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Quebec" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Quebec" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Quebec"
-eek sounds
-eak sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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