Morse code alphabet
C in Morse Code
The letter C in Morse code is -.-. — spoken "dah-di-dah-dit". Press play to hear it, flash it as light, or copy the code.
What does -.-. mean in Morse code?
-.-. is the letter C in International Morse code. The code is made of 2 dits (short) and 2 dahs (long), which is why it is read aloud as "dah-di-dah-dit". It takes 11 time units to send — at a standard 20 words per minute that is roughly 660 milliseconds.
C has one of the most recognisable rhythms in the code — a steady "dah-di-dah-dit" that many operators learn first. It is also the mirror image of itself when read backwards.
How C is timed
Morse timing is built from one unit — the length of a dit. A dah is three units, and there is one silent unit between the symbols of a letter. Here is C drawn to scale:
How to remember C
Say the phrase CO-ca CO-la to the rhythm of the code — the stressed syllables are the dahs, the rest are dits. Hear it a few times with the player above and the phrase will come back by itself.
Easy to confuse with
When you are learning by ear, these codes sound close to C:
Words that start with C
C at a glance
| Morse code | -.-. |
|---|---|
| Spoken | dah-di-dah-dit |
| Symbols | 2 dits, 2 dahs |
| Length | 11 units · ≈660 ms at 20 WPM |
| NATO phonetic | Charlie |
| Frequency in English | ≈2.8% — #12 of 26 letters |
| Position in alphabet | 3 of 26 |
| Reversed | .-.- (unused) |
Frequently asked questions
How do you write C in Morse code?
The letter C is written -.-. — 2 dits and 2 dahs. Spoken aloud it is "dah-di-dah-dit".
What does -.-. mean in Morse code?
-.-. is the letter C C in International Morse code. If you see or hear "dah dit dah dit", it stands for C.How long does C take to send?
C lasts 11 time units (a dit is 1 unit, a dah is 3, with 1 unit between symbols). At 20 WPM that is about 660 ms; at a beginner speed of 12 WPM about 1100 ms — plus a 3-unit pause before the next character.
What is the NATO phonetic word for C?
In the NATO phonetic alphabet C is "Charlie". Radio operators often say the word and then send -.-. so the letter cannot be misheard.