When I first got licensed, I kept hearing phrases on the air that didn’t make sense right away. There’s a lot of lingo in ham radio — and while some of it can sound technical or old-school, knowing the basics makes it a lot easier to jump into a conversation.
This list covers 20 phrases and terms you’re likely to hear on repeaters, HF, and during local nets. Whether you’re brand new or just looking to brush up, these will help you sound like a seasoned operator in no time.
Top 20 Ham Radio Phrases You Should Know
- 73: Best regards. A polite way to end a conversation.
- CQ: Calling any station. A general call to start a QSO: “CQ CQ CQ, this is W2DIY.”
- QSO: A contact or conversation with another operator.
- QTH: Your location. “My QTH is Long Island.”
- QRM: Man-made interference. “You’re getting some QRM.”
- QRN: Natural/static interference. Often caused by lightning or storms.
- QSY: To change frequency. “QSY to 146.52.”
- QSL: Confirmation or acknowledgement. “QSL, I copied that.”
- QRP: Low power operation (typically 5 watts or less).
- QRZ: “Who is calling me?” Often said when someone is unsure who’s transmitting.
- Net: A scheduled group conversation on a specific frequency.
- Traffic: Messages or announcements to share during a net.
- In and out: Checking in to a net but not sticking around.
- Mobile: Operating from a vehicle.
- Portable: Operating with equipment that’s easily movable, often outdoors.
- Base station: A radio setup at a permanent location like your home shack.
- Simplex: Communicating directly without a repeater.
- Repeater: A station that rebroadcasts your signal to extend your range.
- Clear: Signing off from a conversation. “This is W2DIY, clear.”
- Monitoring: Listening but not actively calling. “This is W2DIY, monitoring.”
These phrases become second nature the more you hear them. Don’t stress about memorizing them all at once — just keep listening, and they’ll start to stick.
Did I miss any that you’ve heard on the air? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to add to this list over time.
73, Daniel // W2DIY