What Is the Open Parenthesis in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the opening parenthesis (() is -.--. — a sequence of 5 signals: dash, dot, dash, dash, dot. The opening parenthesis “(” doubles as the KN prosign in CW (“named station, go ahead”). It’s five signals: dash dot dash dash dot.
When you search for “opening parenthesis in morse code”, “morse code for opening parenthesis”, “( in morse code”, or “morse code (”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: -.--.. Other common names for this character include left parenthesis, open bracket, KN prosign.
When to Use the Open Parenthesis
Opening parenthetical asides; KN prosign for directed transmissions in ham radio. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the opening parenthesis stays as -.--..
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Open Parenthesis?
Select the correct Morse code for the opening parenthesis (():
How to Tap the Open Parenthesis in Morse Code
To transmit the opening parenthesis (-.--.), 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 the Open Parenthesis in Morse Code
Dash-dot-dash-dash-dot — the prosign “KN” meaning “go ahead, named station only.” Five signals.
Frequently Asked Questions — Open Parenthesis in Morse Code
The opening parenthesis (() in Morse code is -.--. (2 dots, 3 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the opening parenthesis is -.--.. Tap the sequence as: dash, dot, dash, dash, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the opening parenthesis: long press, then short tap, then long press, then long press, then short tap. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The opening parenthesis uses 5 signals total: 2 dots and 3 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Opening parenthetical asides; KN prosign for directed transmissions in ham radio. Punctuation is optional in casual CW, but standard for formal messages and written transcripts.
Yes — -.--. is defined by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Recommendation M.1677 and is used worldwide for the opening parenthesis.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the opening parenthesis: