Help in Morse code is .... . .-.. .--. (H, E, L, P), and help me is .... . .-.. .--. / -- .. In a real emergency, send SOS, ...---..., instead. It is shorter and everyone who knows Morse code recognises it.
In an emergency, call your local emergency number first. Morse code is a backup for when voice, text and phone calls are not possible.
Help letter by letter
| Letter | Morse code | Said aloud |
|---|---|---|
| H | .... | di-di-di-dit |
| E | . | dit |
| L | .-.. | di-dah-di-dit |
| P | .--. | di-dah-dah-dit |
For help me, add a slash for the word break and then M, --, and E, .. Help takes about 2 seconds at 20 words per minute and help me about 3, but at 5 words per minute (a likely speed if you are tapping with cold hands) that becomes 9 and 13 seconds.
Open “Help me” in the translator
HELP or SOS?
Both work, but they are not equal.
- SOS is a single, rhythmic signal: three short, three long, three short. It is the international distress signal, so it is recognised even by people who cannot read other Morse code. It is hard to send wrong, and easy to repeat. See SOS in Morse code.
- HELP is a plain word. It works if the person who sees it can read Morse code or knows what you mean, but it has more letters to get wrong.
If you have time, send SOS first, then HELP or a short message.
How to signal for help without a radio
- Light: with a torch, phone light or mirror, send three short flashes, three long, three short, rest, and repeat. At night a torch can be seen from far away. A mirror can reflect sunlight a long distance in the day.
- Sound: whistle blasts or knocks. Three short, three long, three short.
- Tapping: knocks on a pipe or wall.
- Eyes: blink three short, three long, three short. See how to blink Morse code.
Try the patterns with the light flasher and tapper so you know how long a dash must be.
What to send after SOS
Keep it short. Once you have attracted attention, say who you are and what is wrong: for example "SOS SOS SOS HELP INJURED". Use only words you can spell quickly. Repeat the message, then rest and watch for a reply.
If you cannot send Morse code
Other well-known distress signals work too. Three of anything (three whistle blasts, three fires, three flashes) is widely recognised. A silent one: if you cannot speak on a video call, hold your palm to the camera with your thumb tucked in, and then close your fingers over the thumb. That is a hand signal promoted in several countries to show you need help.
Variations people search for
| Phrase | Morse code | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Help | .... . .-.. .--. | |
| Help me | .... . .-.. .--. / -- . | |
| I need help | .. / -. . . -.. / .... . .-.. .--. | |
| Please help me | .--. .-.. . .- ... . / .... . .-.. .--. / -- . | |
| Send help | ... . -. -.. / .... . .-.. .--. | |
| Save me | ... .- ...- . / -- . | |
| Help me please | .... . .-.. .--. / -- . / .--. .-.. . .- ... . | |
| Come help | -.-. --- -- . / .... . .-.. .--. |
"Save me in Morse code" is ... .- ...- . / -- ., and "I need help" is .. / -. . . -.. / .... . .-.. .--..
Frequently asked questions
How do you say help in Morse code?
Send H E L P as .... . .-.. .--. with pauses between the letters. Aloud: di-di-di-dit, dit, di-dah-di-dit, di-dah-dah-dit.
What is the Morse code for help me?
.... . .-.. .--. / -- .
What is the Morse code help signal?
The standard help signal is SOS, ...---..., sent as one run with no gaps between the letters.
Is it better to send SOS or HELP?
SOS. It is the internationally recognised distress signal and can be spotted even in poor conditions. HELP is fine as a follow-up message.
How do you spell help in Morse code?
Spell it H-E-L-P and write the code for each letter: .... then . then .-.. then .--.