How to Say Yes in Morse Code

One of the most common words that often comes up in both Morse code practice and everyday signaling is “yes”. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what this looks like in Morse code, how to pronounce it, as well as how to practice sending it with the correct rhythm.

Yes in Morse Code

Yesin Morse code is represented as: 

– · – – / · / · · ·

Breaking it down by each letter, we would get the following: 

  • Y = – · – – (dah-dit-dah-dah)
  • E = · (dit)
  • S = · · · (di-di-dit)

When pronouncing “Yes” in Morse code, you would say: “dah-dit-dah-dah dit di-di-dit”. (Note that in Morse code, we say “dit” instead of “di” for the final dot in a letter to signal that the letter is finished.).

Did you know: Morse code was designed so that more frequently used letters have shorter codes. This is why E is just a single dot (·), while less common letters like Y use longer patterns.

How to Send “Yes” in Morse Code

To become proficient in sending “Yes” in Morse code, you’ll need to:

  1. Memorize the correct pattern of dashes and dots for each letter
  2. Practice the rhythm to keep the spacing and pacing consistent
  3. Practice regularly at a slow pace to build accuracy and gradually increase your speed
  4. Test yourself by sending or decoding the message without looking at the pattern

Remember that you’ll need to follow the correct Morse code rhythm to make your message clear:

  • A dot should last about 1 second when practicing (one time unit)
  • A dash should last about 3 seconds when practicing
  • A pause between each dot or dash should last about 1 second
  • A pause between letters should last about 3 seconds
  • A pause between words should last about 7 seconds

Keep in mind that the above figures are supposed to demonstrate the correct ratio that you’ll need to use, as the actual duration in seconds will depend on your sending speed. What matters is maintaining the proper 1:3:7 ratio regardless of how fast or slow you’re transmitting.

Different Ways to Signal Morse Code

Morse code can be transmitted through many types of signals, as long as the rhythm of dots and dashes (short and long signals) is preserved. For example, the word “Yes” (– · – – · · · ·) can be communicated through:

  • Sound: Tap, knock, whistle, or beep to create one long sound, one short sound, one long sound, one long sound (for Y), followed by one short sound (for E), then three short sounds (for S).
  • Light: Use a flashlight, headlamp, or mirror to flash one long burst, one short burst, one long burst, one long burst (for Y), one short burst (for E), and three quick bursts (for S).
  • Radio: Transmit the pattern – · – – / · / · · · using short and long tones on a continuous wave (CW) frequency. This is one of the most reliable ways to send Morse code over distance.
  • Visual displays: Use rocks, sticks, markings, or contrasting objects to show the Morse code pattern – · – – · · · ·. You can also write the dots and dashes in sand, snow, or with chalk.
  • Body movement or flags: Raise and lower your arm or flag in one long motion, one short motion, one long motion, one long motion (for Y), then one short motion (for E), followed by three short motions (for S). This is useful when sound isn’t possible but visibility is good.

Interested in giving it a go? You can use our Interactive Learning Tool to learn how to send and recognize Morse code in real time. If you want to convert another message or need the exact code for a specific phrase, you can also use our Morse Code Translator.

Yes in Morse Code FAQs 

How do I say yes in Morse code?

To say “yes” in Morse code, you send the pattern – · – – / · / · · ·, using one long sound, one short sound, two more long sounds, then a short sound, and finally three short sounds. 

When spoken, it sounds like “dah-dit-dah-dah dit di-di-dit.”

What is y in Morse code?

The letter Y in Morse code is written as – · – –, combining both long and short signals in a four-part pattern. 

For “yes,” you’ll need to follow it with · (dit) for E and · · · (di-di-dit) for S to complete the full word. 

Is Morse code hard to learn?

Surprisingly, no! 

Morse code is just a type of alphabet made up of dots and dashes instead of written letters, and once you understand how the timing works between each signal, learning it becomes much more intuitive.

For more information on this topic, you can have a look at our How to Learn Morse Code guide.

Can you send “Yes” in Morse code using a flashlight?

Yes, you can send “yes” using a flashlight by turning the light on and off to match the Morse pattern – · – – / · / · · ·. 

That means one long flash, one short flash, two more long flashes (for Y), a single short flash (for E), and three quick flashes (for S), with short pauses between each group.