Apostrophe in Morse code

The apostrophe (') is dot dash dash dash dash dot in Morse code, said “di-dah-dah-dah-dah-dit”. It sounds like the letters JN sent without gaps, and lasts 19 units, which is 1140 ms at 20 WPM.

Part of the ITU standard

The apostrophe is defined in ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard, so any trained operator will copy it.

The apostrophe on a timing ruler

Characters that sound like the apostrophe

These are the characters most often copied by mistake for the apostrophe, and why.

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

The apostrophe in use

The ITU also uses the apostrophe for minutes, as in 10' for ten minutes.

At a glance

Morse code: .----.
Sounds like: di-dah-dah-dah-dah-dit
Letters run together: JN
Length: 19 units
ITU standard: Yes

Sources: ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard (International Telecommunication Union, 2009). Symbols outside the standard follow common practice in charts and software.

Hear the apostrophe