What it Means to Say 10-4
In radio communications, 10-4 is a way of saying “message received” or “you got it.” The phrase originated in the 1940s when truckers used CB radios to communicate with each other. It has since become a part of everyday language, used in both radio and verbal communication.
The phrase “10-4” is often followed by the phrase “roger that” to indicate that the message has been received and understood. This phrase is derived from the phonetic alphabet, where “R” stands for “received.” The two phrases together are used to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood.
The phrase “10-4” is often used in informal conversations, such as when someone is asking for confirmation or agreement. For example, if someone were to ask “Do you understand?” the response might be “10-4.” This is a way of saying “yes, I understand.”
The phrase “10-4” is also used in more formal settings, such as in the military or in law enforcement. In these settings, the phrase is used to acknowledge that a message has been received and understood. It is also used to indicate that an order or request has been received and will be carried out.
In summary, 10-4 is a way of saying “message received” or “you got it.” It is used in both informal and formal settings to indicate that a message has been received and understood. The phrase is often followed by “roger that” to further confirm that the message has been received and understood.
