How to Read Morse Code Morse code is a language of sound. Each letter is a pattern of short sounds (dits) and long sounds (dahs). Do not count dots and dashes on paper. Instead, learn each letter as one sound, the way you recognise a word when you hear it. Start with the easy ones E is one dit (.). T is one dah (-). M is dah-dah (--). O is dah-dah-dah (---). S is dit-dit-dit (...). Once these feel natural, add one letter at a time and practise in short sessions of 15 to 20 minutes. The distress signal SOS is ... --- ... : three dits, three dahs, three dits, sent as one continuous signal. It is the best-known Morse pattern in the world, and a good first pattern to recognise by ear. Practise with sound Hear every letter and word at Morse Code Works: https://morsecodeworks.com/