Yes in Morse Code
“Yes” in Morse code is -.-- . ...: Y (dash dot dash dash), E (one dot) and S (three dots). Play it, copy it, or learn to tap and flash it below.
What Does Yes Look Like in Morse Code?
Yes is written -.-- . ..., with one space between letters. It has 8 signals (5 dots and 3 dashes) and takes 25 timing units to send, which is about 2 seconds at 15 words per minute. Type any other word into the Morse code translator to hear it.
Letter-by-Letter Breakdown
| Letter | Morse | Typed | Signals | Sounds like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y | – · – – | -.-- | 1 dot, 3 dashes | dah-di-dah-dah |
| E | · | . | 1 dot | dit |
| S | · · · | ... | 3 dots | di-di-dit |
E is the shortest letter in Morse code because it is the most common letter in English. Y is the one beginners mix up: it is C (-.-.) with the last dot turned into a dash. See all 26 letters on the Morse code alphabet chart.
Ways to Say Yes in Morse Code
“YES” (full word)
-.-- . ... · clear to anyone who knows the alphabet
“C” (radio shorthand)
-.-. · means yes, correct or affirmative
“YEAH” (casual)
-.-- . .- .... · informal, 4 letters
“R” (received)
.-. · means “message received”, not yes
Radio operators keep replies short, so on the air a single C usually means yes and N means no. R only confirms that a message arrived. More shorthand like 73, 88 and CQ is on the Morse code abbreviations and Q-codes page.
How to Send Yes Without Speaking
By tapping
Tap once quickly for each dot and hold about three times longer for each dash: short-long-short-short, pause, short, pause, short-short-short. Our guide to tapping and blinking Morse code covers spacing.
By blinking
Use a quick blink for a dot and a slow, held blink for a dash. Keep your eyes open for a moment between letters so the other person can count them.
With a flashlight
Flash briefly for dots and about three times longer for dashes. Phone flashlights work, but a torch with a physical button is easier to time.
As sound
Hum, whistle or knock “dah-di-dah-dah, dit, di-di-dit”. Sound carries further than light in daylight and through walls.
How Long Does Yes Take to Send?
Yes takes 25 units: 13 for Y, 1 for E, 5 for S, plus two 3-unit gaps between letters. One unit is the length of a dot, and its length depends on speed. The Morse code timing guide explains the PARIS standard behind these numbers.
| Speed | One unit | Time to send |
|---|---|---|
| 5 WPM | 240 ms | 6.0 s |
| 10 WPM | 120 ms | 3.0 s |
| 15 WPM | 80 ms | 2.0 s |
| 20 WPM | 60 ms | 1.5 s |
| 25 WPM | 48 ms | 1.2 s |
Where People Use Yes in Morse Code
Proposals and rings
Some couples engrave -.-- . ... inside a ring or hide it in a proposal message, so the answer is part of the gift.
Bracelets and jewelry
Beads, bars and engravings spell yes in dots and dashes. Read the Morse code bracelet and tattoo formatting guide before ordering so the spacing stays readable.
Escape rooms and puzzles
Yes and no answers are a favorite puzzle mechanic: a flashing light or beep asks a question and players reply in Morse.
Ham radio
Operators answer questions with C for yes during a contact. See Morse code in ham radio for how a CW conversation runs.
Yes in Morse Code in Other Languages
Morse code sends letters, not words, so the same message can be much shorter or longer depending on the language. In this table the shortest is Spanish “SÔ at 11 units and the longest is French “Oui” at 27 units, more than twice as long. English takes 25 units.
| Language | Word | Morse code | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Yes | -.-- . ... | 25 |
| Spanish | SÃ (sent as SI) | ... .. | 11 |
| French | Oui | --- ..- .. | 27 |
| German | Ja | .--- .- | 21 |
| Italian | Sì (sent as SI) | ... .. | 11 |
| Portuguese | Sim | ... .. -- | 21 |
Accents are left off here. International Morse only defines É among accented letters, so most operators send á, ñ or ã as the plain letter. Some countries use their own extra codes for these letters, but they are not part of the ITU standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say yes in Morse code?
“Yes” in Morse code is -.-- . .... Send Y as dash dot dash dash, E as one dot, and S as three dots, with a short pause between each letter.
How many dots and dashes are in yes in Morse code?
Yes has 8 signals: 5 dots and 3 dashes. Y has 1 dot and 3 dashes, E has 1 dot, and S has 3 dots.
What does C mean in Morse code?
The letter C is -.-.. In radio shorthand a single C is used to mean yes, correct or affirmative, which is quicker to send than the full word.
Is “blink once for yes” Morse code?
No. “Blink once for yes, twice for no” is a simple agreed signal, not Morse code. In Morse, yes is -.-- . ..., sent as long and short blinks.
How do you tap yes in Morse code?
Tap short-long-short-short for Y, pause, one short tap for E, pause, then three short taps for S. Make each long tap about three times as long as a short one.
What is no in Morse code?
“No” in Morse code is -. ---: N (dash dot) and O (three dashes). See no in Morse code for the full breakdown.