If the removed translations were once important parts of your site, consider using a 301 redirect, but redirect them to relevant content rather than your homepage. This way, you’re guiding users to the next best thing related to what they sought, enhancing their experience.
On the other hand, if the URLs hold minimal value or overlap with nothing else, letting them sit as 404s is fine. Just focus on maintaining an informative and helpful error page.
### Final Thoughts
Managing 404 errors on a multilingual site is about balancing user experience with SEO health. Assess the importance of the old URLs and choose an action that aligns best with your site goals. Whether you redirect or embrace the 404, ensure your choices enhance usability and retain any SEO value wherever possible.
Handling these errors wisely can ultimately lead to a smoother, more effective site that serves your audience well. Remember, in the SEO world, the small details often make the biggest difference!