HTML <rp> Tag

The HTML <rp> tag is used to provide fallback text for browsers that do not support the <ruby> element. The <ruby> element is used to display annotations, such as pronunciation guides, for East Asian typography (e.g., Chinese, Japanese, or Korean). The <rp> tag ensures that the content remains readable in browsers that do not render the <ruby> element properly.

The <rp> tag typically contains parentheses or other markers that enclose the ruby text, ensuring a visual fallback for unsupported environments.

Basic Syntax of HTML <rp> Tag

The <rp> tag is used within the <ruby> element, along with the <rt> tag (ruby text), as shown:

</>
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<ruby>
    Base Text
    <rp>(</rp>
    <rt>Ruby Text</rt>
    <rp>)</rp>
</ruby>

The <rp> tag provides parentheses around the ruby text for browsers that do not support ruby annotations.

Example of Using the <rp> Tag

Here’s an example of how the <rp> tag works within a <ruby> element:

index.html

</>
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<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
    <body>
        <h2>Ruby Annotation Example</h2>
        <p>
            <ruby>
                漢字
                <rp>(</rp>
                <rt>kanji</rt>
                <rp>)</rp>
            </ruby>
        </p>
    </body>
</html>

Explanation: In browsers that support the <ruby> element, “kanji” is displayed as a pronunciation guide above “漢字”. In unsupported browsers, the text will appear as “漢字(kanji)”.

Attributes of HTML <rp> Tag

  • No Attributes: The <rp> tag does not have any specific attributes.
  • Global Attributes: Supports all global attributes, such as id, class, and style.

Practical Applications of the <rp> Tag

  • Fallback Text: Ensure that ruby annotations remain readable on browsers that don’t support the <ruby> element.
  • Cross-Browser Compatibility: Provide a user-friendly fallback for older browsers while maintaining semantic integrity.
  • Accessibility: Enhance readability for users who rely on visual cues like parentheses to understand ruby annotations.