What Is the Semicolon in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the semicolon (;) is -.-.-. — a sequence of 6 signals: dash, dot, dash, dot, dash, dot. The semicolon (;) joins related clauses. In Morse it’s six signals: dash dot dash dot dash dot — alternating long-short three times.
When you search for “semicolon in morse code”, “morse code for semicolon”, “; in morse code”, or “morse code ;”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: -.-.-.. Other common names for this character include semi-colon.
When to Use the Semicolon
Linking related independent clauses in formal Morse text. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the semicolon stays as -.-.-..
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Semicolon?
Select the correct Morse code for the semicolon (;):
How to Tap the Semicolon in Morse Code
To transmit the semicolon (-.-.-.), 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 Semicolon in Morse Code
Three dash-dot pairs — perfectly alternating, like the comma but starting with a dash. Six signals total.
Frequently Asked Questions — Semicolon in Morse Code
The semicolon (;) in Morse code is -.-.-. (3 dots, 3 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the semicolon is -.-.-.. Tap the sequence as: dash, dot, dash, dot, dash, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the semicolon: long press, then short tap, then long press, then short tap, then long press, then short tap. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The semicolon uses 6 signals total: 3 dots and 3 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Linking related independent clauses in formal Morse text. 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 semicolon.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the semicolon: