Hreflang
01 Definition
Hreflang meaning: An HTML annotation that tells search engines the language and region a page targets.
Hreflang is an annotation that maps alternate versions of a page to specific languages or regions. Search engines use it to show the right version to each user. It can live in the page head, HTTP headers, or a sitemap, and each version should reference the others.
Also called
Why it matters
How Hreflang fits the work
Hreflang lowers the risk of the wrong language ranking for a user and helps stop similar translated pages from competing with each other.
In context
A retailer uses hreflang to send United Kingdom and United States shoppers to en-gb and en-us pages with local pricing and spelling.
Practical note
Hreflang is a signal, not a redirect, and errors are common. Use correct language and country codes, and make annotations point back to each other consistently.