Morse code alphabet chart with letters, numbers, and punctuation reference

A in Morse Code

A in Morse code is .-: one short dot followed by one longer dash. Copy the pattern, play the audio, or use the timing guide below to practice the di-dah rhythm.

LETTER A1 DOT + 1 DASHINTERNATIONAL MORSE

Text

A

Read-only preset

Morse Code

.-

A = dot dash = di-dah

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How to Read A in Morse Code

The letter A has two signal elements, always in the same order: a dot, then a dash. Read it as di-dah. The dot lasts one time unit, the gap inside the letter lasts one unit, and the dash lasts three units.

Keep the two signals close enough to hear them as one character. If the pause grows too long, A can sound like E followed by T.

1

Dot

.

1 unit

di

2

Element gap

1 unit

short pause

3

Dash

-

3 units

dah

See the full Morse code alphabet for every letter, number, and symbol.

How to Send A with Sound, Tapping, or Light

The medium can change, but the pattern stays the same: one short signal followed by one long signal.

Sound

Play one short beep, pause briefly, then play a beep three times as long. It should sound like di-dah.

Tapping

Tap once quickly, then hold the second tap for the dash. Keep the gap inside the letter shorter than the pause after the letter.

Light

Flash the light briefly, pause, then keep it on for a longer flash. Steady timing matters more than speed.

A dot is one unit. A dash is three units. The gap between the dot and dash inside A is one unit. Learn the complete timing and spacing rules in the Learn Morse guide.

Learn A from E and T

E and T are the two basic Morse signals. E is one dot, T is one dash, and A puts them together in that order.

E

.

dit

One short signal

T

-

dah

One long signal

A

.-

di-dah

E followed by T

Listen to E, T, and A together. You will start to recognize the rhythm instead of counting marks on the screen.

A vs N in Morse Code

A and N use the same two signals in reverse order. A starts short and ends long. N starts long and ends short.

A

.-

di-dah

Short, then long

N

-.

dah-dit

Long, then short

Play A and N back to back until the first signal is easy to hear. That opening sound tells you which letter it is.

Practice A in Short Words

Short words let you hear A next to different letters. Leave a clear gap between each character.

AT

.- -

didah / dah

AN

.- -.

didah / dahdi

CAT

-.-. .- -

dahdidahdi / didah / dah

Spaces separate letters in typed Morse code. Use / only to mark a break between words.

Radio Shortcuts That Use Letter A

In Morse code, radio operators use handy shortcuts called prosigns. They combine two letters into one quick signal to send messages faster—just like texting 'BRB' instead of typing 'be right back'! Because A (.-) has both a dot and a dash, it powers some of the most useful shortcuts in radio.

ShortcutMorse CodeWhat It MeansWhen to Use It
AR.-.-.Over / End of MessageSend this when you finish your message. It tells the other person: "I'm done talking, now it's your turn!"
AS.-...Please Wait a MomentSend this when someone messages you, but you need a minute before you can answer (just like texting BRB).
AA.-.-New Line / Hello Anyone?Starts a brand-new line in your message, or calls out to see if anyone is listening on the radio.

Golden Rule: Tap these shortcuts as one single sound! Don't pause between the two letters. For AR (.-.-.), play the dots and dashes all together in one smooth melody.

4 Common Mistakes with Letter A (And How to Fix Them)

Letter A only has two sounds (.-), but it's super easy for beginners to make these four little mistakes. Here is how to get it right every time:

01

Making the Dash Too Short

Mistake: Rushing your tap so the dash sounds like another dot.

Fix: Count in your head: a dash must last 3 times longer than a dot! Think "di-DAAAH".
02

Pausing Too Long in the Middle

Mistake: Leaving a big pause between the dot and the dash.

Fix: If you pause too long, people will hear two letters—E (.) and T (-)—instead of A! Keep the middle gap tiny.
03

Looking Instead of Listening

Mistake: Trying to count dots and dashes with your eyes on a screen.

Fix: Morse code is like music! Close your eyes and listen to the tune. Your ears will recognize the rhythm much faster.
04

Looking for Big 'A' vs. Little 'a'

Mistake: Wondering if capital 'A' and lowercase 'a' have different codes.

Fix: Good news: Morse code doesn't care about capital letters! Both 'A' and 'a' share the exact same sound: .-

Try A in Your Own Message

Type a word or short phrase that contains A to preview its Morse code. Open the full translator for playback controls and WAV download.

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A in Morse Code FAQ

A in International Morse code is .-: one dot followed by one dash.

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A in Morse Code (.-): Copy, Listen and Learn