Morse code is a special language that uses just two signals: a short signal (a dot) and a long signal (a dash). Each letter and number is written as a unique sequence of dots and dashes.
Think of it like a secret code you can tap, blink, or beep to send messages long ago.
How it started
Morse code was invented in the 1830s to send messages quickly over long distances using telegraphs. People could send words over wires or with light and sound.
How it works
There are three timing rules:
- Dots are short signals
- Dashes are longer signals
- Short gaps between parts of the same letter, a longer gap between letters, and an even longer gap between words
Letters, numbers, and some basics
Here are a few examples to start with:
- A: .-
- B: -...
- C: -.-.
- D: -..
- E: .
- F: ..-.
- G: --.
- H: ....
- I: ..
- J: .---
- K: -.-
- L: .-..
- M: --
- N: -.
- O: ---
- P: .--.
- Q: --.-
- R: .-.
- S: ...
- T: -
- U: ..-
- V: ...-
- W: .--
- X: -..-
- Y: -.--
- Z: --..
Numbers example:
- 0: -----
- 1: .----
- 2: ..---
- 3: ...--
- 4: ....-
- 5: .....
- 6: -....
- 7: --...
- 8: ---..
- 9: ----.
Practice idea
- Learn a few letters at a time (like A, B, C).
- Try writing your name in Morse code. For example, "SAM" is "... .- --".
- Try to send a quick message like “SOS” (… --- …) with a flashlight or tapping on a table.
Fun tip
You can turn it into a game: pick a word, translate it to Morse, and see if a friend can decode it.