What Is C in Morse Code?
The Morse code for C is -.-., a sequence of 2 dots and 2 dashes. In international Morse code (the ITU standard), each letter has a unique combination of dots (·) and dashes (−). C alternates dash-dot-dash-dot, a memorable rhythm.
When you hear or read “morse code c”, “morse code for c”, “c morse code”, or “letter c in morse code”, the answer is always the same 4-signal pattern: -.-..
NATO Phonetic Word for C
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter C is spoken as Charlie. This pairing — Morse code -.-. with the spoken word Charlie — is used by aviation, military, and amateur radio operators worldwide for unmistakable communication.
History of the Letter C in Morse Code
The letter C in Morse code is -.-. — dash, dot, dash, dot. This alternating four-signal pattern is one of the most rhythmically distinctive in the entire Morse alphabet. Its regular back-and-forth between dashes and dots gives it an almost musical quality that experienced operators recognise instantly, even at high speeds or in poor signal conditions.
Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail assigned C its four-signal pattern in the 1840s based on letter frequency — C appears in roughly 2.8% of English text, making it a moderately common letter that warranted a slightly longer code than the most frequent letters like E, T, A, and I. The alternating dash-dot-dash-dot rhythm of -.-. was a natural fit for the mechanical properties of early telegraph keys, which operators found easier to send in alternating patterns than in runs of identical signals.
The ITU confirmed C's pattern at the 1865 standardisation conference, and it has remained unchanged ever since. Today, -.-. is perhaps best known as the first letter of the famous CQ call — the universal Morse invitation for any station to respond — making it one of the most transmitted letter patterns in the history of radio communication.
Real-World Uses of C in Morse Code
The letter C is embedded in some of the most important phrases and procedures in all of Morse code operation. Here are the most common real-world contexts where -.-. is transmitted:
- CQ call: "CQ CQ CQ" (-.-. --.- / -.-. --.- / -.-. --.-) is the universal "calling all stations" signal — the most sent three-letter sequence in amateur radio history, and it begins with C
- Call signs: Many amateur call signs contain C — e.g. VK2ABC, W4CK, G3CWI — placing -.-. on the air millions of times daily
- CW abbreviation: "CW" itself (-.-. .--) refers to continuous wave Morse code — operators literally spell out the name of their operating mode using C as the first letter
- Common abbreviations: "CFM" (confirm), "CNT" (cannot), "CPY" (copy), and "CUL" (see you later) all begin with -.-.
- Contest exchanges: Country abbreviations like "CA" (California) and "CT" (Connecticut) begin with C in state-based contests
- ARRL CW: The ARRL's official station W1AW uses CQ CQ DE W1AW as its standard opening — transmitting -.-. multiple times in every broadcast session
The CQ call deserves particular emphasis. Every amateur radio contact on CW begins with someone calling CQ. Since CQ is sent three times in succession as standard practice, -.-. is transmitted six times in the opening of every single contact. Over a lifetime of amateur radio operation, C becomes one of the most deeply ingrained patterns an operator ever sends.
Complete Morse Code Alphabet Chart (A–Z)
Morse letters use between one and four signals. C (-.-.) uses four signals in an alternating dash-dot-dash-dot pattern — unique among all Morse letters for its perfectly regular back-and-forth rhythm. See the full alphabet:
| Letter | Morse Code | Letter | Morse Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | .- | N | -. |
| B | -... | O | --- |
| C | -.-. | P | .--. |
| D | -.. | Q | --.- |
| E | . | R | .-. |
| F | ..-. | S | ... |
| G | --. | T | - |
| H | .... | U | ..- |
| I | .. | V | ...- |
| J | .--- | W | .-- |
| K | -.- | X | -..- |
| L | .-.. | Y | -.-- |
| M | -- | Z | --.. |
C (-.-.) and K (-.-) share the same opening three signals — dash, dot, dash. The only difference is that C adds a final dot. This makes C and K easy to confuse at high speed. Pay close attention to whether the pattern ends or adds one more dot — that trailing dot is the only distinction between the two letters.
Practice Words Containing the Letter C
Drill -.-. in real operating phrases from your very first session. Starting with CQ gives you the most realistic and motivating context possible:
| Word / Phrase | Morse Code |
|---|---|
| C | -.-. |
| CQ (calling all stations) | -.-. --.- |
| CW (continuous wave) | -.-. .-- |
| CFM (confirm) | -.-. ..-. -- |
| CPY (copy) | -.-. .--. -.-- |
| CUL (see you later) | -.-. ..- .-.. |
| CQ CQ DE W1AW | -.-. --.- -.-. --.- -.. . .-- .---- .- .-- |
Make CQ (-.-. --.-) your first two-letter drill. Send it ten times in a row at a comfortable speed, then ten more times slightly faster. Because CQ opens every contact you will ever make on CW, automating it early sets the foundation for all future operating.
Tips for Memorising the Letter C in Morse Code
Dash-dot-dash-dot — C's alternating pattern is one of the most rhythmically satisfying in the alphabet. Here are four techniques to make -.-. automatic:
- The metronome pattern: Think of -.-. as a perfect alternating beat — long-short-long-short. It has the regularity of a metronome, which makes it very easy to tap. Chant "daaah-dit-daaah-dit" at an even tempo and your hand will follow naturally.
- CQ as your anchor: Memorise CQ (-.-. --.-) as a single unit rather than two separate letters. After sending CQ a hundred times, -.-. will be one of your most automatic patterns — you will send C without thinking about it because CQ is burned in as one fluid motion.
- Distinguish C from K: C (-.-.) ends with a dot; K (-.-) does not. When listening, count to four — if the alternating pattern continues for four signals, it is C. If it stops at three, it is K. This one distinction is the key to telling them apart at speed.
- Farnsworth method: Play the audio above at your target speed. The alternating rhythm of -.-. sounds like a bouncing ball — fast versions are surprisingly easy to recognise because the alternating pattern stands out clearly even in noisy conditions.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for C?
Select the correct Morse code for C:
How to Tap Letter C in Morse Code
To transmit Letter C (-.-.), use this sequence:
ITU Timing Rules
- Dot (·) = 1 unit
- Dash (−) = 3 units (3× longer)
- Signal gap = 1 unit
- Letter gap = 3 units
- Word gap = 7 units
Timing Reference Table
| Speed | Dot | Dash | Letter gap | Word gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 wpm | 240ms | 720ms | 720ms | 1680ms |
| 10 wpm | 120ms | 360ms | 360ms | 840ms |
| 17 wpm (this page) | 70ms | 210ms | 210ms | 490ms |
| 20 wpm | 60ms | 180ms | 180ms | 420ms |
How to Remember Letter C in Morse Code
C is for "COCA-COLA" — DAH-di-DAH-dit.
NATO phonetic word: Charlie — pair the spoken word with the rhythm to remember faster.
Frequently Asked Questions — Letter C in Morse Code
C in Morse code is -.-.. The letter C uses 2 dots and 2 dashes, the standard ITU pattern.
The Morse code for C is -.-.. Tap the 4 signals in sequence with a one-unit gap between each.
To send letter C: long press, then short press, then long press, then short press. The NATO phonetic name for C is Charlie.
-.-. means the letter C in international Morse code (the ITU standard used worldwide for amateur radio and communication).
The NATO phonetic alphabet word for C is Charlie. It pairs with the Morse code -.-. for clear voice and signal communication.
Related Morse Code Letters
Other letters often learned alongside C: