The number 8 in Morse code is a strong “dash-first” digit that’s easy to spot once your ear learns to count opening dashes. It starts with three dashes, then ends with two dots — which makes it feel like the rhythm is heavy up front and light at the end.
People often search for things like:
- What is 8 in Morse code?
- How do you write 8 in Morse code?
- What does —.. mean in Morse code?
- How do you separate numbers in Morse code?
- How do you know when a character ends in Morse code?
This page gives you a focused guide to the digit 8: its exact pattern, timing rules, look-alikes, and drills that make it automatic.
8 in Morse code: the exact pattern
8 = —..
That’s: dash, dash, dash, dot, dot.
A clean way to “hear” it is:
long — long — long — short — short
The key rule: digits are always 5 signals
All Morse code numbers (0–9) use exactly 5 signals. That makes 8 easy to confirm: three long dashes first, then two short dots.
If you can train yourself to count the opening dashes, you’ll decode 8 almost instantly.
Timing rules for 8 (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 8 (—..), you’re sending:
dash (3)
gap (1)
dash (3)
gap (1)
dash (3)
gap (1)
dot (1)
gap (1)
dot (1)
Then you leave a full character gap (3 units) before the next character.
Most common mistakes with 8
- One dash turns short
If any of the first three dashes becomes too short, the digit stops sounding like a clean “—” opener. Keep all three dashes identical. - The last two dots get blurred
Because they’re at the end, people often speed up and the dots sound like one tap. Keep the 1-unit gap between them. - You rush into the next character
8 ends with dots, so it’s easy to instantly start the next digit. Give the full 3-unit character gap.
8 vs similar patterns (quick comparisons)
8 (—..) vs 7 (–…)
7 starts with two dashes; 8 starts with three. Count the opening dashes.
8 (—..) vs 9 (—-.)
9 starts with four dashes; 8 starts with three. Same idea: opening dash-count wins.
8 (—..) vs O (—)
O is three dashes (3 signals). The digit 8 is five signals and ends with two dots. If you hear the dot tail, it’s 8.
8 (—..) vs 2 (..—)
They’re mirror partners: 8 is dashes then dots, 2 is dots then dashes. Great for drills.
Fast practice drills (low effort, high payoff)
Drill 1: Dash-count ladder
Send:
6, 7, 8, 9, 0
Your goal: feel the opening dash count increase by one each step.
Drill 2: Mirror pairing
Alternate:
2, 8, 2, 8
Train dot-first vs dash-first recognition.
Drill 3: O trap prevention
Alternate:
O, 8, O, 8
Your goal: always notice the extra two dots at the end of 8.
Drill 4: Real-world strings
Practice:
88, 808, 198, 2028
Focus on clean 3-unit gaps so digits don’t blend.