Ñ in Morse code

Ñ, N with a tilde, is dash dash dot dash dash in Morse code, said “dah-dah-di-dah-dah”. It is a national extension used in Spanish, not part of the ITU standard. It lasts 17 units, which is 1020 ms at 20 WPM.

Will the other station understand it?

Only if they expect it. Ñ is not in the ITU standard; it is a national extension, understood mainly between operators who share Spanish.

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

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

Ñ on a timing ruler

How to remember Ñ

Ñ is Q with one more dash on the end.
--.-- reads the same forwards and backwards.
Say it as “dah-dah-di-dah-dah” and learn the rhythm rather than counting.

Characters that sound like Ñ

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

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

Ñ on the air

--.-- reads the same forwards and backwards.
Spanish operators often send a plain N when the meaning is clear from the word.

Ñ at a glance

Morse code: --.--
Sounds like: dah-dah-di-dah-dah
Length: 17 units
ITU standard: No
Safe fallback: N
Used in: Spanish

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 Ñ at your speed