Talking in Dots and Dashes

Imagine trying to send a text message using only a flashlight or a single radio beep. That is the genius of Morse code. It translates the entire alphabet into a rhythmic language of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). To keep things fast, the most common letters are shortest. "E" is just one dot!

You can send Morse code over a telegraph wire, blink it with your eyes, or flash it with a lamp. The secret to making it work is timing. A dash is exactly three times as long as a dot, and silent pauses tell the listener when letters and words end.

The most famous Morse code message in history is SOS. You have probably heard that this stands for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship." Surprisingly, that is a complete myth! Those letters don't stand for any words at all. They were chosen purely for the way they sound.

In Morse code, an "S" is three dots and an "O" is three dashes. Put together, they make an unmistakable, urgent rhythm that pierces right through crackling radio static. Check out the demo chart next to this page to see the whole alphabet—and try tapping out your own name!