Is Qi a Scrabble Word?
The short answer? Yes. “Qi” is indeed a valid Scrabble word. In fact, “qi” stands alone on a list of two letter words with Q. There are no other 2 letter words with Q you can play in Scrabble or Words With Friends.
Played on its own, not accounting for bonus squares or other words you may form, the word QI is worth 11 points in Scrabble. QI is playable in Words With Friends too, where it’s also worth 11 points.
If you’re able to play it so that the Q lands on a triple word square and you form the word QI both across and down, you’ll score a total of 66 points! This clearly demonstrates the power of using hooks in Scrabble and Words With Friends. Short words can be worth big points when you play them strategically.
The Definition of Qi
The concept of qi is central to traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine. The exact wording of a qi definition can vary somewhat depending on who you ask. Qi is the spiritual force, circulating life force, or vital energy that animates all living things. This universal life energy flows around and through the body.
The word “qi” is sometimes written as chi or ki. Some related terms include tai chi (a martial art system) and qigong (a system of breathing control and meditation). To “harness your qi” means to develop, channel and tap into this universal life force for improved health.
What Other Scrabble Words Start With Qi?
It starts with a simple question. Is “qi” a Scrabble word? Now that you know the answer, it’s time to take your game to the next level. Harnessing the power of qi as a Scrabble word for 11 points is one thing. But, can you take it even further?
Absolutely you can! Some of the best words that start with QI include the following:
QIS: The plural form of qi
QINTAR: An Albanian coin equal to one hundredth of a lek
QIGONG: A system of breathing control, physical exercise and meditation
QIVIUT: The soft wool underneath the long coat of a muskox
QINDARKA: The plural form of “qindar,” an alternative spelling of “qintar”
While it’s true that there are no other two letter words with Q aside from QI, you’ll find lots of longer Q words. Considering that most words with Q include the letter U, it’s very helpful to remember these words that start with QI. Read up on other words with Q not followed by U to add to your arsenal. Do you know about “qawwali” music and “tariqa” meditation?
Valuable Q Words Worth Big Points
If you can play “qi” in Scrabble, what other words that start with Q are fair game?
Continuing down the path of 2 letter words, you may be disappointed to learn that “qa” is not a valid Scrabble word. The most common definition of QA is as an abbreviation for “quality assurance.” Since abbreviations don’t count as words in Scrabble, generally speaking, “qa” is not playable either. As mentioned, the list of 2 letter words with Q is very short. It only contains QI.
You can use “qa” as a starting point for other Q words though. Take QADI, QANAT and QAID, for starters. Aside from QI as a Scrabble word, you cannot form a valid word with the other vowels either. QE, QO and QU are not playable in Scrabble or Words With Friends.
What about 3 letter words starting with Q? Well, QUO is not a valid Scrabble word. It is playable in Words With Friends for 13 points, though. QUA is valid in both games; it’s worth 12 points in Scrabble and 13 points in Words With Friends. Be sure to explore WordFinder's full list of words that start with Q for even more high scoring opportunities.
Short Scrabble Words to Remember
Learning the widest range of Scrabble words will obviously work to your advantage. That said, short words that can fit in tight spaces, especially if they’re worth a lot of points, can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Do you know if ZA is a word in word games? Or if JA is a legal Scrabble word? Read those respective articles to find out for sure!
Michael Kwan is a professional writer and editor with over 15 years of experience. Fueled by caffeine and WiFi, he's no stranger to word games and dad jokes.
