The number 4 in Morse code is a classic “dot-heavy” digit, and it’s one of the easiest to decode once you lock the ladder rule in your head. It starts with four dots, then ends with a single dash — which makes it feel like the digit is “building up” and then snapping shut.
People often search for things like:
- What is 4 in Morse code?
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- What does ….- mean in Morse code?
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This page gives you a focused guide to the digit 4: its exact pattern, timing rules, look-alikes, and drills that make it automatic.
4 in Morse code: the exact pattern
4 = ….-
That’s: dot, dot, dot, dot, dash.
A clean way to “hear” it is:
short — short — short — short — long
The key rule: digits are always 5 signals
Every Morse number uses exactly 5 signals. That’s your decoding advantage.
So if you hear:
four crisp dots first, then one full dash,
you’re looking at 4.
Timing rules for 4 (the part that actually matters)
Morse timing uses units:
- Dot = 1 unit
- Dash = 3 units
- Gap between signals inside the same character = 1 unit
- Gap between characters (letters or numbers) = 3 units
- Gap between words = 7 units
So for 4 (….-), you’re sending:
dot (1)
gap (1)
dot (1)
gap (1)
dot (1)
gap (1)
dot (1)
gap (1)
dash (3)
Then you leave a full character gap (3 units) before the next character.
Most common mistakes with 4
- The dots collapse into a messy burst
Four dots in a row is where people start “machine-gunning” taps. Keep the 1-unit gaps real. Clear separation is everything. - The final dash gets clipped
That last dash is what proves it’s 4 and not just “….” (H). Make it a full 3-unit dash every time. - You don’t pause enough after it
Because 4 ends with a dash, people rush the next character. Always keep the 3-unit character gap.
4 vs similar patterns (quick comparisons)
4 (….-) vs H (….)
H is four dots (4 signals). The digit 4 is five signals and ends with a dash. If you hear that final long pulse, it’s 4.
4 (….-) vs V (…-)
V is three dots then a dash (4 signals). 4 has one extra dot at the start (four total).
4 (….-) vs 5 (…..)
5 is five dots. 4 ends with a dash. That last sound changes everything.
4 (….-) vs 6 (-….)
They’re mirror partners. 4 is dots then dash, 6 is dash then dots. Great for drills.
Fast practice drills (low effort, high payoff)
Drill 1: H vs 4 trap
Alternate:
H, 4, H, 4
Your goal: feel the difference between “four dots ends” and “four dots then dash.”
Drill 2: Ladder slide
Send:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Then back:
5, 4, 3, 2, 1
This makes the dot-count progression automatic.
Drill 3: Mirror pairing
Alternate:
4, 6, 4, 6
Train your brain to notice where the single dash sits.
Drill 4: Real-world strings
Practice:
404, 44, 14, 41, 2024
Focus on clean 3-unit gaps between digits so you don’t blend signals.