Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 程序 | chéngxù |
| 應用程式 / 应用程式 | yìngyòng chéngshì |
| 程式 | chéngshì |
The term for a software program depends on the specific type of software and the region. If you are referring specifically to an 'application' (an app), use 應用程式. In a formal context, the term 软件 can be used to refer specifically to software programs, while the word 规划 is a formal way to say 'program' when it means a plan or a scheme.
Which one should you use?
While 程序 can mean a computer program, it also commonly refers to a procedure, process or sequence of steps in a non-technical context. To distinguish a specific software application from a general program or script, use 應用程式.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mainland China, 程序 is the standard term for a computer program. In Taiwan and Hong Kong, the term 程式 is commonly used for a computer program.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the verb 'to program' in the sense of writing code, use 編程 in Mainland China. In Taiwan, it is often expressed as 寫程式.
How do you pronounce it?
chéngxù
Did you know?
- In Mainland China, the term 小程序 literally translates to 'small program' and refers to a specific category of 'mini-programs' that run inside the WeChat app without needing a separate installation.
- When describing 'open source' software, Chinese uses 开源, where 源 means 'source' as in a river's headwaters.
- The character 程 in 程序 originally referred to a journey or a distance, reflecting the idea of a program as a sequence of steps to be followed.
Examples in context
- 假如你没有这个程序，你现在就可以去下载。If you do not have this program, you can download it now.This sentence shows how to express the necessity of downloading a 程序.Tatoeba #478786 by biglion, translation #2201 by kebukebu
- 为什么电脑一跑程序，就崩溃？还不是因为我没钱买好电脑。Why does the computer crash every time I run a program? Simply because I can't afford a good computer.This sentence demonstrates the use of 程序 in the context of a computer running a program.Tatoeba #13915026 by jan_OkulaJu, translation #13915033 by jan_OkulaJu
- 這個程式無法在DOS模式下執行。This program cannot be run in DOS mode.This sentence uses 程式 to describe a program's inability to run in a specific mode.Tatoeba #11110227 by janTuki, translation #60560 by orcrist
- 我正在学习编写计算机 程序 。I am learning to write computer programs.
Example conversation
Wei is helping Yuting fix a bug on her computer.
- 雨婷 Yuting伟，这个程序打不开了。Wěi, zhège chéngxù dǎ bù kāi le.Wei, this program won't open.
- 伟 Wei可能是系统版本太低了。Kěnéng shì xìtǒng bǎnběn tài dī le.Maybe the system version is too low.
- 雨婷 Yuting那我也没法用它了。Nà wǒ yě méi fǎ yòng tā le.Then I won't be able to use it.
- 伟 Wei别担心，我帮你检查一下。Bié dānxīn, wǒ bāng nǐ jiǎnchá yīxià.Don't worry, I'll check it for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “program” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
