编程
biānchéng
The English phrase 'coding' is translated into Chinese as 编程 (biānchéng).
编程 is a noun that refers to the process of writing computer software code. When you want to refer to the person who performs this task, the noun for programmer is 程序员.
Meaning: process of writing computer software code (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 编程 is the standard term for the process, there are other ways to express the concept depending on the context. Use 编码 in formal contexts and the colloquial phrase 写代码 to mean 'writing code' in daily conversation.
How do you pronounce it?
biānchéng
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, a programmer might be called a 码农 (code farmer), a self-deprecating slang term that likens the repetitive task of coding to manual farm labor.
- The word 编 in 编程 originally referred to weaving bamboo strips or braiding hair. The concept of 'coding' software is viewed as 'weaving' a program together.
- When discussing errors in code, Chinese speakers often use the word 漏洞 (lòudòng), which literally means a 'leak' or a 'hole', treating a bug like a structural leak in a container.
Examples in context
- 你对编程感兴趣吗? (Nǐ duì biān chéng gǎn xìng qù ma?)Are you interested in coding?
- 我正在学习写代码 (Wǒ zhèng zài xuéxí xiě dài mǎ)I'm currently learning to write code.
- 他的编程水平很高。Tā de biānchéng shuǐpíng hěn gāo.His coding level is very high.
- 我喜欢学习编程。Wǒ xǐhuān xuéxí biānchéng.I like learning coding.
- 编程需要很多耐心。Biānchéng xūyào hěnduō nàixīn.Coding requires a lot of patience.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- 志强 Zhiqiang你最近在做什么？Nǐ zuìjìn zài zuò shénme?What have you been doing lately?
- 梓涵 Zihan我正在练习编程。Wǒ zhèngzài liànxí biānchéng.I am practicing coding.
- 志强 Zhiqiang编程很有趣吗？Biānchéng hěn yǒuqù ma?Is coding interesting?
- 梓涵 Zihan虽然有点难，但很有趣。Suīrán yǒudiǎn nán, dàn hěn yǒuqù.Although it's a bit hard, it's very interesting.
