The spelling of the word "Kwaw" can be explained through its phonetic transcription, which is /kwɑː/. The first two letters, "Kw", represent a single sound in English called a voiceless labialized velar stop. This sound is made by combining the "K" sound and a "W" sound, which creates a sharp stop in the airflow followed by a smooth release. The vowel "aw" is pronounced as an open back unrounded vowel, which is pronounced with the tongue low in the mouth and the lips spread apart.