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Comma in Morse code

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

Hear the comma

Speed

At 15 WPM, , takes 1520 ms to send. Flash or vibrate it in the translator

Part of the ITU standard

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

The comma on a timing ruler

31311111313

Characters that sound like the comma

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

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

The comma in use

  • The comma is symmetrical: two dashes, two dots, two dashes.

At a glance

Morse code
--..--
Sounds like
dah-dah-di-di-dah-dah
Letters run together
MIM
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.