Language Code Lookup & Converter

Instantly convert ISO 639, BCP 47, and locale tags. Perfect for US web developers handling i18n, localization, and hreflang setup.

Popular Languages

Supported Standards

  • ISO 639-1: 2-letter codes (en, es, fr)
  • ISO 639-2: 3-letter codes (eng, spa, fra)
  • BCP 47: Locale tags (en-US, es-MX)
  • Names: English language names
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Why Use Be Converter?

Standards Compliant

Fully compliant with ISO 639-1, ISO 639-2, and BCP 47 standards used in US software development and global API integration.

Smart Search

Auto-detects inputs and offers intelligent suggestions. Finds 'en-US' even if you just type 'English'.

Comprehensive Database

Covers 200+ languages including regional variants like 'es-419' (Latin America) and 'zh-Hans' (Simplified Chinese).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ISO 639-1 and ISO 639-2?
ISO 639-1 uses 2-letter codes (like 'en' for English) and covers about 180 major languages. ISO 639-2 uses 3-letter codes (like 'eng' for English) and covers over 400 languages, including historical and collective dialects often used in library systems.
What is BCP 47 and when should I use it?
BCP 47 is the standard for language tags used on the web. It combines language, region, and script (e.g., 'en-US' for US English vs 'en-GB' for British English). Use it for HTML lang attributes and targeting specific regions like 'es-MX' for Mexico.
How do I handle Chinese and Spanish variants?
For Spanish, use 'es-419' for Latin American audiences (common in LA and Houston) or 'es-ES' for Spain. For Chinese, use 'zh-Hans' for Simplified characters (mainland China) or 'zh-Hant' for Traditional characters (Taiwan).
Can I convert between different language code standards?
Yes! Simply type a name like 'German' or a code like 'fr' to see matching ISO 639-1, ISO 639-2, and BCP 47 tags instantly.
Are regional dialects supported?
Yes, major regional dialects are included. You can find codes like 'en-CA' (Canadian English) or 'fr-CA' (Canadian French), which are essential for businesses operating near the border or in North American markets.

Developer Guide to Language Standards

Web Development Integration

  • lang="en" - HTML lang attribute
  • Accept-Language: en-US - HTTP Accept-Language
  • hreflang="en-GB" - SEO hreflang tags
  • locale: "zh-CN" - JavaScript Intl API

Common Coding Patterns

  • Language only: en, es, fr, de
  • Language + Region: en-US, es-MX, fr-CA
  • Language + Script: zh-Hans, zh-Hant
  • Full format: zh-Hans-CN, sr-Latn-RS

Best Practice: Use the most specific code available for your target audience. For US-based sites, 'en-US' is preferred over generic 'en'. For global apps, default to 2-letter ISO codes and add region qualifiers only when localization is required.

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