應用程序 / 应用程序
yìngyòng chéngxù
In Chinese, the phrase for a computer application is 應用程序 / 应用程序 (yìngyòng chéngxù). If unsure, use 應用程序 / 应用程序. Wiktionary also lists 應用程式 / 应用程式 (yìngyòng chéngshì).
Meaning: a computer program (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 應用程序 / 应用程序 | yìngyòng chéngxù |
| 應用程式 / 应用程式 | yìngyòng chéngshì |
This term refers specifically to a computer program. In casual conversation, Chinese speakers often use the English loanword 'App' instead of the full formal term.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 應用程序 is composed of 應用 (yìngyòng), meaning 'to apply/use' and 程序 (chéngxù), meaning 'procedure/program'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form 應用程式 / 应用程式 is the standard term used in Taiwan and Hong Kong, whereas 应用程序 is standard in Mainland China.
How do you pronounce it?
yìngyòng chéngxù
Did you know?
- In a digital context, if a Chinese speaker says 崩了 (bēng le) regarding an application, they mean the app has 'crashed' or 'collapsed'.
- While 'App' is common, Chinese users often refer to 'mini-programs' using the term 小程序 (xiǎo chéngxù), which are applications that run inside other apps like WeChat.
- The word 程序 (chéngxù) used in 'application' also means 'procedure' or 'protocol' in a legal or bureaucratic sense.
Examples in context
- 我需要填写一个工作申请表格I need to fill out a job application form.
- 我刚刚填完了一份大学申请表I just finished filling out a college application form.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “application” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
