Learning how to say “app” in Mandarin is essential if you’re planning to communicate about technology or software with Chinese speakers. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying “app” in Mandarin Chinese. While Mandarin Chinese is the standard dialect spoken across mainland China, variations may exist in other regions such as Taiwan or Hong Kong.
Table of Contents
Formal Way to Say “App” in Mandarin
If you’re looking for a formal way to say “app” in Mandarin, the most commonly used term is “应用程序” (yìngyòng chéngxù). Let’s break it down:
“应用” (yìngyòng) means “application,” and “程序” (chéngxù) means “program.” Combining these two words gives us “应用程序” (yìngyòng chéngxù), which directly translates to “application program.”
It’s important to note that the term “应用程序” (yìngyòng chéngxù) is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts, such as when discussing software development or professional settings. In everyday conversations, a more casual term is often preferred.
Informal Ways to Say “App” in Mandarin
In informal contexts, people often use shorter and more colloquial terms to refer to “apps.” Here are a few commonly used informal ways to say “app” in Mandarin:
1. APP (Ā PĬ PĬ)
Similar to English, the term “app” is commonly used in Mandarin as well. It is pronounced as “ā pĭ pĭ.” This informal term is widely understood and used, especially among younger generations or in casual conversations.
Tips:
- When using “APP” in Mandarin, it is best to say each letter separately, unlike English, where it’s pronounced as a single word. So, remember to say “ā pĭ pĭ” instead of “āp” or “app.”
- You can also use the Chinese characters for “APP,” which are “应用” (yìngyòng). This way, you combine the convenience of using English letters with Chinese characters, making it easier to understand for those who don’t pronounce “app” correctly.
2. 软件 (Ruǎnjiàn)
Another informal term for “app” in Mandarin is “软件” (ruǎnjiàn). While “软件” primarily means “software” in a broader sense, it often refers to “apps” as well. This term can be used interchangeably with “app” in many contexts.
Example:
“请问你用什么手机软件查看地图？” (Qǐng wèn nǐ yòng shénme shǒujī ruǎnjiàn chákàn dìtú?) – “May I ask which mobile app you use to view maps?”
By using “软件” (ruǎnjiàn), you can expand the term to discuss software more broadly while still indicating an “app” specifically in many cases.
Regional Variations
Mandarin Chinese serves as the standard dialect across mainland China, but it’s important to note that there may be regional variations in other Chinese-speaking regions such as Taiwan or Hong Kong. These variations can extend to the terminology used for “apps” as well.
While “应用程序” (yìngyòng chéngxù) and informal terms like “APP” (ā pĭ pĭ) or “软件” (ruǎnjiàn) generally apply across regions, it’s always good to be aware of any variations specific to the region you are in or targeting.
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “app” in Mandarin is essential when engaging in discussions about technology or software with Mandarin speakers. The formal term “应用程序” (yìngyòng chéngxù) is commonly used in professional or technical contexts, while the informal terms “APP” (ā pĭ pĭ) and “软件” (ruǎnjiàn) are preferred in casual conversations.
Remember to pronounce “APP” as “ā pĭ pĭ” when speaking, and if necessary, you can also use the Chinese characters “应用” (yìngyòng) to indicate an “app.” Keep in mind that regional variations may exist, so it’s advisable to adapt to local terminology when needed. Enjoy conversing about apps in Mandarin confidently!
