SEO · Website glossary

hreflang

Quick answer · What is hreflang?

A link annotation identifying alternate versions of a page for specified languages or regions.

IN PRACTICE

hreflang: an example

A site connects its English and Spanish versions of the same service page with reciprocal annotations.

KEEP IN MIND

hreflang does not translate content or replace a clear language selector; each alternate must actually exist.

Put the idea to work

Frequently asked questions

What is a practical example of hreflang?

A site connects its English and Spanish versions of the same service page with reciprocal annotations.

Does hreflang translate content or replace a language selector?

hreflang does not translate content or replace a clear language selector; each alternate must actually exist.

Which concepts should I read alongside hreflang?

Canonical URL: The preferred representative URL selected or indicated for a set of duplicate or closely similar pages.
Internal link: A hyperlink connecting one page to another within the same website.