cheez
Qis is the plural form of "qi," the vital life force or energy flow in Chinese philosophy and traditional medicine. In Taoist and Buddhist thought, qi (also spelled chi) is the fundamental energy that animates all living things and flows through everything in the universe.
12
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
QIS is one of the most valuable 3-letter words in Scrabble! The Q alone is worth 10 points, and not needing a U makes it incredibly flexible. Always remember this word when you're stuck with a Q!
Qis (pronounced "cheez") is the plural form of qi, a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy, traditional medicine, and martial arts. Qi represents the vital energy or life force that flows through all living things and is considered the fundamental substance that constitutes and animates the universe.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qis are understood as the various types of energy that flow through the body along pathways called meridians. Practitioners believe that balanced and free-flowing qis are essential for good health, while blocked or imbalanced qis can lead to illness and disease.
The concept encompasses several types of qi, including:
In word games, QIS has become one of the most important words to memorize. As one of the few Q-without-U words in English, it provides a crucial solution when you're stuck with a Q tile but no U. Its high point value (12 points in Scrabble) and short length make it ideal for tight board situations or maximizing points on premium squares.
The word "qi" (and its plural "qis") entered English from Chinese (氣/气), where it has been a central philosophical and medical concept for over 3,000 years. The character originally depicted steam rising from rice, symbolizing the transformation of matter into energy.
Timeline of the word's adoption:
The adoption of "qi" and "qis" into English Scrabble represented a significant moment for players, as it provided the first two-letter Q word and one of the few Q-without-U options. This linguistic borrowing reflects the growing Western interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine, martial arts, and Eastern philosophy.
Singular Form
qi
The qi flows through meridians.
Alternative Spellings
chi, ch'i, ki
Different romanization systems.
Related Concepts
Lack of vital energy
Blocked energy flow
Strengthen vital energy
Energy movement in body
"The acupuncturist explained that the different qis in my body were out of balance."
"Master Chen taught us to distinguish between the various qis: defensive qi, nutritive qi, and original qi."
"In traditional diagnosis, practitioners assess multiple qis to understand the patient's condition."
"I played QIS on a triple word score, turning my difficult Q into 36 points!"
"Knowing QIS saved my game when I drew Q but had no U tiles."
"The championship match turned when she played QIS across two double letter scores."
Total base points: 12 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
High-value letters: Q (10 pts)
💡 Tip: The S makes this word especially valuable as it can pluralize other words while playing your Q!
No valid anagrams exist
Related Q-without-U words:
Note: QIS cannot be extended, but QI can become QIS
Best plays with QIS:
Pro tip: Learning all Q-without-U words transforms Q from a burden to an asset!
The concept of qi (and its plural qis) is fundamental to East Asian cultures. In China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, variations of this concept influence medicine, martial arts, philosophy, and daily life. From qigong exercises in parks to feng shui in architecture, the idea of managing and harmonizing various qis shapes cultural practices.
As Eastern practices gained popularity in the West, qi/chi became familiar through tai chi, acupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The plural "qis" is used when discussing different types of energy in TCM contexts, though many Westerners still prefer the older "chi" spelling.
The addition of QI and QIS to official Scrabble dictionaries revolutionized competitive play. These words are now considered essential knowledge for serious players, featured in strategy guides and memorized by champions. The words represent the evolution of English as a global language incorporating concepts from other cultures.
The wellness industry frequently references qi/qis in contexts ranging from yoga studios to corporate wellness programs. While sometimes oversimplified, the concept has introduced millions to ideas about energy, balance, and holistic health that were foreign to Western thinking a generation ago.
No apostrophe for plurals
No U after Q in this word
No hyphen needed
Different pronunciation despite rhyme
Forgetting QIS exists
Many players know QI but forget the plural
Not maximizing the S
Use S to pluralize another word too
Poor Q placement
Always aim for premium squares with Q
Holding Q too long
Play QI/QIS early rather than waiting for U
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like QIS