What Is Y in Morse Code?
The Morse code for Y is -.--, a sequence of 1 dot and 3 dashes. In international Morse code (the ITU standard), each letter has a unique combination of dots (·) and dashes (−). Y is one of the longer letters with three dashes.
When you hear or read “morse code y”, “morse code for y”, “y morse code”, or “letter y in morse code”, the answer is always the same 4-signal pattern: -.--.
NATO Phonetic Word for Y
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter Y is spoken as Yankee. This pairing — Morse code -.-- with the spoken word Yankee — is used by aviation, military, and amateur radio operators worldwide for unmistakable communication.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for Y?
Select the correct Morse code for Y:
How to Tap Letter Y in Morse Code
To transmit Letter Y (-.--), 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 Y in Morse Code
Y for "YAHOO-yo-DOH" — DAH-di-DAH-DAH.
NATO phonetic word: Yankee — pair the spoken word with the rhythm to remember faster.
Frequently Asked Questions — Letter Y in Morse Code
Y in Morse code is -.--. The letter Y uses 1 dot and 3 dashes, the standard ITU pattern.
The Morse code for Y is -.--. Tap the 4 signals in sequence with a one-unit gap between each.
To send letter Y: long press, then short press, then long press, then long press. The NATO phonetic name for Y is Yankee.
-.-- means the letter Y in international Morse code (the ITU standard used worldwide for amateur radio and communication).
The NATO phonetic alphabet word for Y is Yankee. It pairs with the Morse code -.-- for clear voice and signal communication.
Related Morse Code Letters
Other letters often learned alongside Y: