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Slash in Morse code

The slash (/) is dash dot dot dash dot in Morse code, said “dah-di-di-dah-dit”. It sounds like the letters DN sent without gaps, and lasts 13 units, which is 780 ms at 20 WPM.

Hear the slash

Speed

At 15 WPM, / takes 1040 ms to send. Flash or vibrate it in the translator

Part of the ITU standard

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

The slash on a timing ruler

311111311

Characters that sound like the slash

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

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

The slash in use

  • It is used in call signs: W1AW/P means the station is operating portable.
  • The ITU also uses it as the fraction bar, as in 1/2.

At a glance

Morse code
-..-.
Sounds like
dah-di-di-dah-dit
Letters run together
DN
Length
13 units
ITU standard
Yes
Also called
fraction bar

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.