Using HTML <rt> Tags for Ruby Text

Ruby Text: Main Tips

• <rt> tags define ruby text. They must be placed within <ruby> tags.
• You may use it as a pronunciation guide for East Asian characters, as there are multiple options for a lot of them.
• The rt tag has been introduced in HTML5, along with the other ruby text characters (<ruby> and <rp>).
• Global attributes are supported.

Using rt HTML Tags

HTML <rt> tags define ruby text elements:

<ruby>
  漢 <rt>Kan</rt>
  字 <rt>ji</rt>
</ruby>

Ruby text is displayed in smaller font above the Chinese, Japanese, or Korean characters. It is a hint to the correct pronunciation. Some characters have multiple pronunciation options that affect meaning as well.

Note: ruby text elements can contain inline elements. However, they cannot have <ruby> elements as their descendants.

Browser support

Mobile browser support