{"id":470,"date":"2026-10-05T09:19:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T09:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hippotool.com\/?p=470"},"modified":"2026-10-05T09:19:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T09:19:39","slug":"q-without-u-words-scrabble","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hippotool.com\/fr\/q-without-u-words-scrabble\/","title":{"rendered":"Mots gagnants au Scrabble (Q) sans U"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Q without a U is playable more often than it looks. Start by checking for QI<\/strong>; then look for compact options such as QAT, QIS, QADI, QAID, QOPH, FAQIR, QANAT,<\/strong> et TRANQ<\/strong>\u2014but confirm the word against the dictionary used by your game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That last point matters. North American tournament Scrabble currently uses NWL2023<\/strong>, international tournament play uses Collins Scrabble Words 2024 (CSW24)<\/strong>, et Words With Friends<\/strong> maintains a separate in-game word list. Many useful Q-without-U words overlap, but some do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Dictionary rules can change.<\/strong> A word accepted in North American Scrabble may be rejected in Words With Friends, while Collins includes several short forms absent from both. For an actual game, use the designated tournament checker or the current in-game dictionary as the final authority. Last verified: October 5, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Quick Answer by Length<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The table below covers the high-priority words most players need first. \u201cValid\u201d means accepted in the named lexicon as of the verification date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Length<\/th>Mot<\/th>North American Scrabble<\/th>Collins\/International Scrabble<\/th>Words With Friends<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
2<\/td>QI<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>QAT<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>QIS<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>QADI<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>QAID<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>QATS<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>QOPH<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>FAQIR<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>QADIS<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>QAIDS<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>QANAT<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>QOPHS<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>TRANQ<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td>Valid<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you need only one emergency word, learn QI<\/strong>. It is the sole two-letter Q word in all three checked lexicons and can often be fitted into a crowded board position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete 2-Letter List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This and the following tables are exhaustive for words of two through five letters that contain Q<\/strong> and no U<\/strong> in at least one of the three checked game lexicons. \u201cNo\u201d does not mean the spelling is not an English word; it means that lexicon does not currently allow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mot<\/th>Letters<\/th>Plain-English definition<\/th>Dictionary status<\/th>Tactical note and verified hooks<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
QI<\/td>2<\/td>Vital energy or life force in Chinese philosophy and related traditions.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		The first escape to check because it needs one companion tile or an I already on the board. QIS<\/strong> is valid in all three; QIN<\/strong> is an additional Collins-only right hook.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Complete 3-Letter List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mot<\/th>Letters<\/th>Plain-English definition<\/th>Dictionary status<\/th>Tactical note and verified hooks<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
QAT<\/td>3<\/td>A shrub native to parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, or its stimulant leaves and shoots.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		A dependable short Q dump when A and T are available. Takes S<\/strong> to make QATS<\/strong> in all three.<\/td><\/tr>
QIN<\/td>3<\/td>A Chinese stringed instrument related to the zither.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Valuable in Collins play, especially because it can be built from QI. Takes S<\/strong> to make QINS<\/strong> in Collins.<\/td><\/tr>
QIS<\/td>3<\/td>The plural of QI: vital energies or life forces.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		Often made by adding S to an existing QI or by playing Q onto IS. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Complete 4-Letter List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mot<\/th>Letters<\/th>Plain-English definition<\/th>Dictionary status<\/th>Tactical note and verified hooks<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CINQ<\/td>4<\/td>Five, especially the five on a card or die; a word adopted from French.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Useful when Q cannot begin the play. Takes S<\/strong> to make CINQS<\/strong> in both Scrabble lexicons.<\/td><\/tr>
FIQH<\/td>4<\/td>Islamic jurisprudence: the study and interpretation of Islamic law.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		A Collins-only option that uses the awkward F-H combination with Q. Takes S<\/strong> to make FIQHS<\/strong> in Collins.<\/td><\/tr>
QADI<\/td>4<\/td>A judge who administers or interprets Islamic law.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		Useful when the rack contains common A, D, and I support tiles. Takes S<\/strong> to make QADIS<\/strong> in all three.<\/td><\/tr>
QAID<\/td>4<\/td>A chief, governor, local administrator, or official, especially in historical North African usage.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		An anagram of QADI, so test both board alignments. Takes S<\/strong> to make QAIDS<\/strong> in all three.<\/td><\/tr>
QATS<\/td>4<\/td>Plural of QAT: qat shrubs, leaves, or shoots.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		Often easiest as an S hook on QAT. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr>
QINS<\/td>4<\/td>Plural of QIN, the Chinese stringed instrument.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Collins-only and most practical as an S extension of QIN. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr>
QOPH<\/td>4<\/td>The nineteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		Its unusual vowel pattern can rescue a rack containing O and H. Takes S<\/strong> to make QOPHS<\/strong> in all three.<\/td><\/tr>
WAQF<\/td>4<\/td>An Islamic endowment in which property or its benefit is dedicated to a charitable or religious purpose.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		A strong Collins-only way to use Q with W and F. Takes S<\/strong> to make WAQFS<\/strong> in Collins.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Complete 5-Letter List<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mot<\/th>Letters<\/th>Plain-English definition<\/th>Dictionary status<\/th>Tactical note and verified hooks<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
CINQS<\/td>5<\/td>Plural of CINQ: fives, such as cards or dice showing five.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Usually appears as an S hook on CINQ. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr>
FAQIR<\/td>5<\/td>A Muslim mendicant or dervish; the word can also refer to an itinerant Hindu ascetic.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		A useful five-letter Q word when F and R are available. Takes S<\/strong> to make FAQIRS<\/strong> in all three.<\/td><\/tr>
FIQHS<\/td>5<\/td>Plural of FIQH: systems, bodies, or studies of Islamic jurisprudence.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Most naturally played as an S hook on FIQH in Collins. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr>
NIQAB<\/td>5<\/td>A face veil worn by some Muslim women that leaves the eyes visible.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Places Q in the middle rather than at the start. Takes S<\/strong> to make NIQABS<\/strong> in both Scrabble lexicons.<\/td><\/tr>
QADIS<\/td>5<\/td>Plural of QADI: judges in Islamic law.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		A verified S extension of QADI. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr>
QAIDS<\/td>5<\/td>Plural of QAID: chiefs, governors, or officials.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		A verified S extension of QAID. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr>
QAJAQ<\/td>5<\/td>A traditional Inuit or Greenlandic kayak; an Indigenous spelling related to KAYAK.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		One of the rare short words containing two Qs. Takes S<\/strong> to make QAJAQS<\/strong> in both Scrabble lexicons.<\/td><\/tr>
QANAT<\/td>5<\/td>An underground, gently sloping aqueduct that carries groundwater by gravity, especially for irrigation in arid regions.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		A practical five-letter play with common support tiles. Takes S<\/strong> to make QANATS<\/strong> in all three.<\/td><\/tr>
QAPIK<\/td>5<\/td>A monetary subunit of the Azerbaijani manat.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Useful when Q is paired with K. Takes S<\/strong> to make QAPIKS<\/strong> in both Scrabble lexicons.<\/td><\/tr>
QIBLA<\/td>5<\/td>The direction of the Kaaba in Mecca toward which Muslims face during prayer.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		A middle-vowel Q play that can fit lanes unavailable to Q-starting forms. Takes S<\/strong> to make QIBLAS<\/strong> in both Scrabble lexicons.<\/td><\/tr>
QEEMA<\/td>5<\/td>Minced meat or a spiced minced-meat dish in South Asian cookery; a variant of KEEMA.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Added to CSW24, so older Collins lists may omit it. Takes S<\/strong> to make QEEMAS<\/strong> in Collins.<\/td><\/tr>
QOPHS<\/td>5<\/td>Plural of QOPH: instances or forms of the nineteenth Hebrew letter.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		Commonly made by adding S to QOPH. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr>
QORMA<\/td>5<\/td>A variant spelling of KORMA, a South Asian dish of meat or vegetables cooked in a seasoned sauce.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		A Collins-only option with Q followed by O. Takes S<\/strong> to make QORMAS<\/strong> in Collins.<\/td><\/tr>
TALAQ<\/td>5<\/td>A form or declaration of divorce under Islamic law.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Useful because Q ends the word rather than beginning it. Takes S<\/strong> to make TALAQS<\/strong> in Collins.<\/td><\/tr>
TRANQ<\/td>5<\/td>An informal shortening of TRANQUILIZER; it is also used for the veterinary sedative xylazine in current drug-related contexts.<\/td>North American: Valid<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Valid<\/strong><\/td>		A rare Q-ending escape that can use an existing T, R, A, or N lane. Takes S<\/strong> to make TRANQS<\/strong> in all three.<\/td><\/tr>
WAQFS<\/td>5<\/td>Plural of WAQF: charitable or religious endowments.<\/td>North American: Non<\/strong>
Collins: Valid<\/strong>
WWF: Non<\/strong><\/td>		Usually formed by adding S to WAQF in Collins. No one-letter front or back hook was found in the checked lists.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Important Q Words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

QI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

QI<\/strong>, pronounced roughly \u201cchee,\u201d refers to vital energy or life force in Chinese philosophy. It matters because it is the shortest legal Q word in NWL2023, CSW24, and Words With Friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the board, first scan for an exposed I<\/strong> that can accept Q beside it, or a square where QI can run parallel to an existing word without creating an invalid cross-word. QIS<\/strong> is the standard S extension in all three lexicons. Collins players also have QIN<\/strong>, but it is a separate word meaning a Chinese stringed instrument\u2014not a plural of QI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

QAT<\/strong> is a shrub, or its stimulant leaves and shoots, associated with parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is accepted in all three checked word lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QAT is especially useful when your tile rack contains A and T but no I for QI. It takes an S<\/strong> in every checked lexicon, so an existing QAT may later become QATS<\/strong>; before leaving that hook available, consider whether your opponent can exploit it more effectively than you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QIS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

QIS<\/strong> is the plural of QI. It is legal in North American Scrabble, Collins Scrabble, and Words With Friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its main value is flexibility: add S to QI, place Q before an existing IS where the board permits, or use QIS in a tight three-square lane. Do not confuse it with QINS<\/strong>, the plural of Collins-only QIN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QADI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A QADI<\/strong> is a judge who interprets or administers Islamic law. QADI is valid in all three checked lexicons and takes S<\/strong> to form QADIS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QADI matters because its support letters are common and because it has the same letters as QAID<\/strong>. When one spelling will not fit the board, test the other ordering before exchanging or passing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QAID<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A QAID<\/strong> is a chief, governor, administrator, or official, particularly in historical North African contexts. It is valid in all three checked lexicons, with QAIDS<\/strong> as its regular plural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tactical lesson is simple: QADI and QAID are anagrams, but their letter order creates different hooks and cross-checks. If a board line provides _AID, QAID may solve the Q immediately; if it provides _ADI, QADI may fit instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QOPH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

QOPH<\/strong> is the nineteenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet. QOPH and its plural QOPHS<\/strong> are accepted in NWL2023, CSW24, and Words With Friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is useful when the rack\u2019s only workable support letters are O, P, and H. Because the word ends in H, it can reach a premium square or fit a cross-check pattern that QI and QAT cannot, but avoid forcing it when a shorter Q dump preserves a better rack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQIR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A FAQIR<\/strong> is a Muslim mendicant or dervish; the spelling can also denote an itinerant Hindu ascetic. It is valid in all three checked lexicons, and FAQIRS<\/strong> is the verified plural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQIR is longer than the emergency two- and three-letter plays, so it needs more board space. Its practical advantage is converting an awkward F-Q pairing into one word, particularly when an existing A, I, or R supplies part of the pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

QANAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A QANAT<\/strong> is an underground aqueduct that uses a gentle slope to carry groundwater by gravity, traditionally serving communities and irrigation in arid regions. QANAT is accepted in all three checked lexicons and takes S<\/strong> to form QANATS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is worth learning because A, A, N, and T are much easier to assemble than the support letters of many obscure Q words. Check it whenever the board provides ANAT, Q_NAT, or another compatible cross-check pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRANQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TRANQ<\/strong>, pronounced like \u201ctrank,\u201d is an informal shortening of tranquilizer. In current usage it can also refer to xylazine, but the word-game entry is broader than that single drug context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRANQ is valid in all three checked lexicons, and TRANQS<\/strong> is valid as its plural or inflected form. Its Q-at-the-end shape is tactically distinctive: it can solve a rack when the left side of a lane is open but a Q-starting word will not fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Play Q Without U<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Check the shortest exits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Look for QI<\/strong> first whenever the rack contains Q and I. Then scan for QAT<\/strong> et QIS<\/strong>. Short legal words are often more valuable than long theoretical finds because they fit crowded board positions, create fewer cross-words to validate, and can dispose of the high-value tile without wrecking rack balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use board letters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do not limit the search to letters on your rack. An I already on the board can complete QI with only the Q from your rack; an exposed AT can turn Q into QAT; and the right four-letter pattern can enable QADI, QAID, or QOPH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parallel play can be especially effective. Place a short Q word beside an existing word so that each newly placed tile forms a valid perpendicular word, but check every cross-word before committing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respect premium access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A triple-letter score under Q can make a compact play attractive, while a double-word score can reward a longer form. The best move is not automatically the move with the largest immediate total, however.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before opening a premium lane, ask what the opponent gains next turn. A modest Q dump that closes the board, preserves flexible tiles, or avoids exposing a triple-word lane can be strategically better than a flashier play that gives away an easy response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn the S hooks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Un S hook<\/strong> adds S to the front or back of an existing word to form another legal word. For the core Q-without-U set, remember these verified extensions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n