Every Scrabble player dreads drawing the Q tile without a U to pair it with. That 10-point tile suddenly feels like a liability instead of an asset. But here's a secret that separates casual players from champions: there are 48 valid English words that contain Q without U, and knowing them can transform your game.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover every Q-without-U word accepted in official Scrabble dictionaries, their meanings, origins, and strategic tips for using them effectively.
Why Q Without U Words Matter
The Q tile is worth 10 points—the highest value alongside Z. But unlike Z, which appears in common words like "zero" and "zone," Q traditionally requires a U that may not be on your rack. Learning Q-without-U words gives you:
- Flexibility – Play your Q without waiting for a U
- Higher scores – Use that 10-point tile instead of exchanging it
- Competitive edge – Most casual players don't know these words
- Rack management – Clear difficult tiles while scoring
The Essential Q Without U Words
Let's start with the words you'll use most frequently. These are short, easy to remember, and appear in almost every competitive player's vocabulary.
2-Letter Q Words
QI (11 points) – This is the most important Q-without-U word to memorize. QI (also spelled "chi") refers to the vital life force in Chinese philosophy. It's the only 2-letter Q word, making it invaluable for tight board positions.
Strategy tip: QI works perfectly for parallel plays. Place it next to an existing word to create multiple 2-letter combinations and multiply your score.
3-Letter Q Words
| Word | Points | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| QAT | 12 | A shrub whose leaves are chewed as a stimulant (also spelled "khat") |
| QIS | 12 | Plural of QI |
| SUQ | 12 | An Arab marketplace (also spelled "souk") |
4-Letter Q Words
| Word | Points | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| QADI | 14 | An Islamic judge who interprets religious law |
| QAID | 14 | A Muslim judge or chief |
| QATS | 13 | Plural of QAT |
| QOPH | 18 | The 19th letter of the Hebrew alphabet |
| SUQS | 13 | Plural of SUQ |
| WAQF | 19 | An Islamic endowment of property for religious purposes |
5-Letter Q Words
| Word | Points | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| FAQIR | 17 | A Muslim or Hindu religious ascetic (also "fakir") |
| NIQAB | 16 | A veil worn by some Muslim women covering the face |
| QADIS | 15 | Plural of QADI |
| QAIDS | 15 | Plural of QAID |
| QANAT | 14 | An underground irrigation tunnel |
| QIBLA | 16 | The direction of Mecca, faced during Islamic prayer |
| QOPHS | 19 | Plural of QOPH |
| TRANQ | 14 | Informal for tranquilizer |
| UMIAQ | 16 | An Inuit boat made of skins (also "umiak") |
| WAQFS | 20 | Plural of WAQF |
6-Letter Q Words
| Word | Points | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| FAQIRS | 18 | Plural of FAQIR |
| NIQABS | 17 | Plural of NIQAB |
| QABALA | 17 | Variant spelling of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) |
| QANATS | 15 | Plural of QANAT |
| QAWWAL | 18 | A performer of qawwali (Sufi devotional music) |
| QIBLAH | 20 | Variant of QIBLA |
| QIGONG | 17 | A Chinese system of physical exercises and breathing |
| QINDAR | 16 | Albanian monetary unit (1/100 of a lek) |
| QINTAR | 15 | Variant of QINDAR |
| QIVIUT | 18 | The soft underwool of the musk ox |
| QWERTY | 21 | The standard keyboard layout |
| SHEQEL | 18 | Ancient Hebrew unit of weight/currency |
| TARIQA | 15 | The Sufi path of spiritual learning |
| TRANQS | 15 | Plural of TRANQ |
| UMIAQS | 17 | Plural of UMIAQ |
Longer Q Without U Words (7+ Letters)
These words are harder to play but can be game-winners when the opportunity arises:
- QABALAH (21 points) – Variant of Kabbalah
- QAWWALI (19 points) – Sufi devotional music
- QAWWALS (19 points) – Plural of QAWWAL
- QINDARS (17 points) – Plural of QINDAR
- QINTARS (16 points) – Plural of QINTAR
- QIVIUTS (19 points) – Plural of QIVIUT
- QOPH variants and plurals
- SHEQELS (19 points) – Plural of SHEQEL
- TARIQAS (16 points) – Plural of TARIQA
- TSADDIQ (18 points) – A righteous person in Judaism
- TZADDIQ (27 points) – Variant spelling of TSADDIQ
Where Do These Words Come From?
Most Q-without-U words entered English from languages that don't follow the Q+U convention:
- Arabic – QAT, QADI, QAID, SUQ, WAQF, QIBLA, TARIQA
- Hebrew – QOPH, SHEQEL, TSADDIQ
- Chinese – QI, QIGONG
- Albanian – QINDAR, QINTAR
- Inuit – UMIAQ
- Modern English – TRANQ, QWERTY
Strategic Tips for Using Q Without U Words
1. Memorize QI First
QI is the foundation. It's short, high-scoring, and works in tight spaces. Make it automatic.
2. Learn the Plurals
QIS, QATS, SUQS—adding an S to these words is often your best play. Keep an S tile handy when you have Q.
3. Look for Hook Opportunities
Can you add QI to an existing word? "A" becomes "QI" + "A" for a parallel play. "I" becomes "QI" crossing it.
4. Don't Panic
Drawing Q without U isn't a disaster anymore. You have options. Take your time and find the best play.
5. Practice with Word Tools
Use our Scrabble Helper to practice finding Q plays from different rack combinations.
Dictionary Differences: TWL vs SOWPODS
Not all Q-without-U words are valid in all dictionaries:
- TWL (North American) – Used in US and Canadian tournaments
- SOWPODS (International) – Used in UK and international play
Most words listed here are valid in both, but always verify for tournament play. Words like QWERTY and TRANQ are accepted in both major dictionaries.
Quick Reference: Most Useful Q Without U Words
If you only memorize 10 words, make it these:
- QI – The essential 2-letter word
- QIS – Plural, adds flexibility
- QAT – Common 3-letter option
- QOPH – High-scoring 4-letter word
- QADI – Another solid 4-letter choice
- SUQ – Useful 3-letter alternative
- TRANQ – Modern word, easy to remember
- QIBLA – Good 5-letter option
- QANAT – Versatile 5-letter word
- FAQIR – Strong 5-letter scorer
Conclusion
Mastering Q-without-U words transforms the Q tile from a burden into an opportunity. Start with QI, build up to the 4 and 5-letter words, and you'll never fear drawing Q again.
Ready to practice? Try our Word Unscrambler with some Q combinations, or explore our Scrabble Helper to find the highest-scoring plays for your rack.