Ç in Morse code

Ç, C with a cedilla, is dash dot dash dot dot in Morse code, said “dah-di-dah-di-dit”. It is a national extension used in French, Portuguese and Turkish, not part of the ITU standard. It lasts 13 units, which is 780 ms at 20 WPM.

Will the other station understand it?

Only if they expect it. Ç is not in the ITU standard; it is a national extension, understood mainly between operators who share one of these languages.

Other national tables give the same code, -.-.., to Ć and Ĉ. The letter it means depends on the language of the message.

When you are not sure, send C instead. Every operator can copy that.

Ç on a timing ruler

How to remember Ç

Ç is C with one more dot on the end.
Say it as “dah-di-dah-di-dit” and learn the rhythm rather than counting.

Characters that sound like Ç

These standard characters are one step away from Ç, so they are the likeliest mix-ups.

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

Ç on the air

The code is C with one dot added, just as Ö is O plus a dot.

Ç at a glance

Morse code: -.-..
Sounds like: dah-di-dah-di-dit
Length: 13 units
ITU standard: No
Safe fallback: C
Used in: French, Portuguese and Turkish

Sources: ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard (É). Other codes follow the national tables in common use; shared codes and fallbacks reflect on-air practice.

Hear Ç at your speed