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Translate Morse Code

Underscore in Morse code

The underscore (_) is dot dot dash dash dot dash in Morse code, said “di-di-dah-dah-di-dah”. It sounds like the letters UK sent without gaps, and lasts 17 units, which is 1020 ms at 20 WPM.

Hear the underscore

Speed

At 15 WPM, _ takes 1360 ms to send. Flash or vibrate it in the translator

Not part of the ITU standard

The underscore is not in ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard. Charts and software use ..--.-, but not every operator will recognise it, so spell it out when it matters.

The underscore on a timing ruler

11113131113

Characters that sound like the underscore

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

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

At a glance

Morse code
..--.-
Sounds like
di-di-dah-dah-di-dah
Letters run together
UK
Length
17 units
ITU standard
No

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.