Learn Morse Code words, abbreviations, and phrases commonly used in CW (Morse code) exchanges with their plain English translation or description.
This list includes translations and descriptions for items related to on-air contests, different modes of operation, and technical terms. These terms will help you better understand and participate in various aspects of ham radio communication, especially in Morse code (CW) exchanges.
CQ - Calling any station
DE - From
K - Go ahead, inviting any station to transmit
R - Received (acknowledgment)
AR - End of message
SK - End of contact
TU - Thank you
73 - Best regards
RST - Signal report format (Readability, Strength, Tone)
QTH - Location
QTH - Location
NAME - Operator's name
QSL - Acknowledge receipt/confirmation card
PSE - Please
TKS - Thanks
TNX - Thanks
QSO - On-air conversation/contact
QRM - Man-made interference
QSB - Fading of the signal
QRN - Atmospheric noise/interference
QRS - Send slower
QRT - Stop sending
QRZ - Who is calling me?
QSY - Change frequency
QRP - Low power operation
QTX - Keep your station open
QRV - Ready to receive
QSP - Relay a message
QLF - Sending poorly
QTR - Time
QTH - Location
QSL - Acknowledge receipt/confirmation card
RIG - Radio equipment
PWR - Power
ANT - Antenna
WX - Weather
HR - Here
HI - Laughter (used to convey amusement)
FB - Fine business (good)
OM - Old man (male operator)
YL - Young lady (female operator)
XYL - Wife (of a male operator)
EL - Element (of an antenna)
BT - Break (used to separate thoughts or sections)
BK - Break (to pause or resume transmission)
KN - Go ahead, specific station only
NR - Number
SIG - Signal
GM - Good morning
GA - Good afternoon
GE - Good evening
GN - Good night
GL - Good luck
DX - Long distance contact
AGN - Again
HW - How
DR - Dear
ES - And
CFM - Confirm
FER - For
ND - Nothing doing (no)
SRI - Sorry
CU - See you
73 - Best regards
88 - Love and kisses
99 - Keep out of it
AA - All after
AB - All before
AD - All day
AS - Wait (stand by)
C - Yes
HPE - Hope
MSG - Message
NIL - Nothing (I have nothing for you)
OB - Old boy
OP - Operator
OT - Old timer
RX - Receive, receiver
TEMP - Temperature
TU - Thank you
U - You
UR - Your, you're
UU - You understand
VY - Very
WID - With
WKD - Worked
YL - Young lady (female operator)
ZZ - Keep your frequency clear
CQ DX - Calling any long-distance station
CQ TEST - Calling any station in a contest
CQ WW - Calling any station in the CQ Worldwide contest
CQ WAE - Calling any station in the Worked All Europe contest
CQ WPX - Calling any station in the CQ WPX contest
CQ FD - Calling any station during Field Day
CQ POTA - Calling any station during Parks on the Air activation
CQ POTA - Calling any station during Parks on the Air activation
CQ SOTA - Calling any station during Summits on the Air activation
CQ IOTA - Calling any station during Islands on the Air activation
QSL? - Do you confirm receipt?
QRP? - Are you using low power?
QSY? - Shall I change frequency?
QTH? - What is your location?
QRZ? - Who is calling me?
QSL VIA - Send QSL card via
QSL DIRECT - Send QSL card directly to the operator
QSL BURO - Send QSL card via the bureau
QSL LOTW - Confirm contact via Logbook of The World
QSL eQSL - Confirm contact via eQSL
WPM - Words per minute (CW speed)
SSB - Single Sideband (voice mode)
CW - Continuous Wave (Morse code mode)
RTTY - Radio teletype (digital mode)
PSK31 - Phase Shift Keying 31 baud (digital mode)
FT8 - Fast mode of digital communication
FT4 - Faster mode of digital communication
AM - Amplitude Modulation (voice mode)
FM - Frequency Modulation (voice mode)
SAT - Satellite
WATT - Watt (unit of power)
dB - Decibel (unit for expressing the ratio of two power levels)