In this guide, we will provide you with various ways to express the term “phone app” in Chinese. We’ll cover formal and informal ways of saying it, and focus on standard Chinese, while also mentioning regional variations where necessary. Along with tips and examples, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the realm of Chinese terminology related to phone applications.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Phone App” in Chinese
When expressing “phone app” in formal or standard Chinese, you can use the following terms:
- 手机应用 (shǒujī yìngyòng)
This is the most commonly used term in formal contexts. It directly translates to “phone application” and is widely recognized across China. - 移动应用 (yídòng yìngyòng)
This term translates to “mobile application” and can be used interchangeably with “手机应用” (shǒujī yìngyòng), especially when referring to apps available on various mobile devices. - 手机应用程序 (shǒujī yìngyòng chéngxù)
This more precise term literally means “phone application program” and emphasizes the technical aspect of phone apps, suitable for more formal conversations or technical discussions.
Informal Ways to Say “Phone App” in Chinese
Informal or colloquial terms for “phone app” are more commonly used in everyday conversations, especially among young Chinese speakers. Here are a few examples:
- 手机App (shǒujī App)
This shorter and more casual term emerged from the English abbreviation “app.” It is widely understood by Chinese speakers and can be used in informal contexts. Speaking this term with Chinese pronunciation will help ensure mutual comprehension. - 手机软件 (shǒujī ruǎnjiàn)
Literally meaning “phone software,” this term is frequently used in informal conversations. Although it is broader in scope and can include more than just apps, it’s still commonly used to refer to smartphone applications.
Regional Variations
While the previous terms are widely understood throughout China, there might be some regional variations. Here are a few examples:
香港 (Xiānggǎng) – In Hong Kong, the term “手機程式” (sáuhgei chìhngsaht) is commonly used to refer to phone apps.
台灣 (Táiwān) – In Taiwan, the term “手機APP” (shǒujī app) is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
While these regional variations may be helpful to know, they are not necessary for daily conversations if you stick to the more commonly used terms.
Tips and Examples
Here are some essential tips and examples related to talking about phone apps in Chinese:
- 1. Use the correct measure word:
When counting or quantifying phone apps, you can use the measure word “个” (gè): “三个手机应用” (sān gè shǒujī yìngyòng) – three phone apps. - 2. Combine with other words:
To specify the type of app, you can add relevant words before or after the term “手机应用” (shǒujī yìngyòng): – “社交手机应用” (shèjiāo shǒujī yìngyòng) – social phone app – “购物手机应用” (gòuwù shǒujī yìngyòng) – shopping phone app - 3. Discuss app functions:
You might need to describe the functions of a phone app. Here are a couple of examples: – “这个手机应用用于在线支付” (zhège shǒujī yìngyòng yòngyú zàixiàn zhīfù) – This phone app is used for online payment. – “那个手机应用提供最新新闻” (nàge shǒujī yìngyòng tígōng zuìxīn xīnwén) – That phone app provides the latest news.
Remember, language is constantly evolving, and new terms and expressions may emerge over time. By mastering these fundamental ways of saying “phone app” in Chinese, you can effectively communicate with speakers all across China.
Happy app-talking in Chinese!
