Kaf (ك) — Arabic Letter Guide
Identical to English "k" as in "cat" or "key".
Last updated: May 2026 · Letter 22 of 28
Practice this now
Move from reading to hands-on typing with Arabic Typing 101.
Kaf — kāf (كَاف)
- Transliteration
- k
- IPA
- k
- Unicode
- U+0643
- Keyboard
- ;
- Finger
- right pinky
- Connects?
- Yes — on both sides
What is the letter Kaf?
Kaf is the twenty-second letter of the Arabic alphabet. It has a distinctive angular shape, often resembling a horizontal "L" or a hook. The sound is the standard "k" of English.
The four forms of Kaf
Arabic letters change shape depending on their position in a word. Kaf has four distinct forms:
| Position | Shape | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Isolated | ك | Standing alone |
| Initial | كـ | At the start of a word, connecting to the right |
| Medial | ـكـ | In the middle of a word, connecting on both sides |
| Final | ـك | At the end of a word, connecting only on the right |
How to type Kaf on Arabic keyboard
Arabic 101 key: press ;.
Finger: right pinky finger.
The key for Kaf is mapped via the standard Arabic 101 keyboard layout, which is the default Arabic input source on Windows, macOS (as “Arabic - PC”), and most Linux distributions.
How to pronounce Kaf
No special technique. Standard English "k" sound. Distinct from qaf (ق), which is deeper in the throat.
Example words with Kaf
Letters often confused with Kaf
qaf
Qaf is a deeper, heavier "k" produced further back in the throat.
lam
Initial kaf (كـ) and lam (لـ) can look similar in some fonts.
Build muscle memory for the whole alphabet
Knowing where Kaf sits on the keyboard is one thing — being able to touch-type it without thinking is another. Our drills work through every letter in the alphabet with structured progression.
Frequently asked questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type kaf (ك) on the Arabic 101 keyboard?
Press the ; (semicolon) key — kaf is the right pinky home reach.
What's the difference between kaf and qaf?
Kaf is a soft "k" produced at the soft palate — same as English "k". Qaf is produced deeper, at the uvula — sounds heavier and darker. They are completely separate letters with different shapes and positions in the alphabet.
Does kaf change shape in different positions?
Yes, more than most letters. The isolated form (ك) is angular. The initial and medial forms (كـ ـكـ) are more compact and elongated. The final form (ـك) restores the angular look. Watch out for fonts where the initial form looks like a thin lam.
Related Arabic letters
Or see the full Arabic 101 keyboard layout.