The HTML <ruby> tag
The HTML <ruby> element wraps text with ruby annotations — small notes (like pronunciation) shown above or beside base characters, common in Japanese (furigana) and Chinese typography. The annotation goes in <rt>, with <rp> as a fallback.
Overview
The <ruby> element provides ruby annotations — short runs of text, typically pronunciation guides, displayed alongside base characters. It is most associated with East Asian typography, where readings are shown above or beside characters.
Inside it, the base text is followed by an <rt> holding the annotation, and optional <rp> elements supply fallback parentheses for browsers that cannot render ruby positioning.
Keep the annotations short — they are meant as compact reading aids, not full explanations. For most Western content you will never need it, but for Japanese furigana, Chinese pinyin and similar, it is the correct, accessible tool.
Syntax
<ruby>漢 <rp>(</rp><rt>kan</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby>Example
<p><ruby>東京 <rp>(</rp><rt>Tōkyō</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></p>