HTML <rt> element

The <rt> element represents the ruby text: the small annotation attached to the base text inside a <ruby> element.

In a pronunciation example, the base text might be the original characters, and the <rt> text might be the pronunciation. The browser can then display the annotation in the ruby position rather than leaving it as ordinary text in the line.

The <rt> element belongs inside <ruby>. On its own, it loses the relationship that gives it meaning. It is not just a general element for small notes.

The text inside <rt> should be short and closely tied to the base text. Ruby annotation is not designed for long explanations. If the explanation needs a sentence, it probably belongs in ordinary prose instead.

The <rt> element is often surrounded by optional <rp> elements. These provide fallback parentheses for systems that do not support ruby display properly.

For separate annotations, repeat the base-text and <rt> sequence inside one <ruby>. The example gives 山 the reading やま and 川 the reading かわ. Each annotation follows the base character it explains.

Attributes: GLOBALS.

Typical layout:
<p><ruby lang="ja">山<rp>(</rp><rt>やま</rt><rp>)</rp>川<rp>(</rp><rt>かわ</rt><rp>)</rp></ruby></p>

Visual representation: