Google SEO
International best practices — Google Search Central
Is hreflang a directive?
No. It is a hint rather than an order. Incorrect implementation can fail silently, leaving Google to choose which language version to display.
Further analysis
Use this entry as an audit checkpoint. The cited source establishes the context; the direct answer identifies what to check before choosing an action.
In SFT, this topic relates to Structure. Check whether the signal is visible on the page, connected to the rest of the website and supported by understandable evidence.
Related search terms include hreflang hint, silent hreflang failure. Use them to describe the issue in a brief, audit or answer page.
Applying SFT
Structure turns a rule into readable architecture: headings, URLs, structured data, visible content and clear hierarchy.