Easy way to remember
A starts small and finishes long.
EAdd a dot to reach E
AComplete A
Letter 1 of 26
A in Morse Code (.-)
A in Morse code is dot dash (· −), said di-dah.
Ready when you are.
2 signals5 units0.30 s at 20 WPM
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International Morse
A
di · dah
.-
One signal, more context
When A is sent on its own
A is a letter by itself. Joining A and R without the normal letter gap produces the AR end-of-message prosign; A alone does not have that meaning.
Sources: ITU-R M.1172 · ARRL traffic procedures
How to tap A
Use a-PART as a memory cue. Send dot dash. Hold each dash for three dot lengths and leave one dot length between signals.
Don’t mix it up with
N
N is dash dot (− ·); A is dot dash (· −). It reverses the signal order.
I
I is dot dot (· ·); A is dot dash (· −). Only the second signal differs: short for I, long for A.
Words and names that start with A
| Word | Morse | Try it |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | .- .--. .--. .-.. . | Open in translator → |
| Anchor | .- -. -.-. .... --- .-. | Open in translator → |
| Adam | .- -.. .- -- | Open in translator → |
| Aisha | .- .. ... .... .- | Open in translator → |
Keep practicing
Questions people ask
What is A in Morse code?
A is dot dash (· −), said di-dah.
What does A mean on its own?
A is a letter by itself. Joining A and R without the normal letter gap produces the AR end-of-message prosign; A alone does not have that meaning.
How long does A take to send?
The pattern uses 5 units, including its internal gaps. At 20 WPM that is 0.30 seconds, before the next letter gap.
Which pattern is easy to confuse with A?
Compare N (− ·) with A (· −). Listen for the difference in signal order and length.
Checked against ITU-R M.1677-1 · Last reviewed · How we check our pages · Report it