How to Pronounce “knee”

The k is silent. Every English word beginning kn- lost the /k/ centuries ago but kept it in the spelling. “knee” starts on a plain /n/ sound, exactly as if the k were not written.

Silent Letters in English — Rules and Word List With Audio

Which letters go unspoken, the patterns behind them, and the words that catch learners out.

Silent K and Ghost Consonants — Why Knee Has No K

Every kn- word once had an audible k. The history behind English’s silent consonants, and the pattern that makes them reappear.

• Silent K words