軟件 / 软件
ruǎnjiàn
The English word software is translated into Chinese as 軟件 / 软件 (ruǎnjiàn). Wiktionary also lists 軟體 / 软体 (ruǎntǐ).
Meaning: encoded computer instructions (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 軟件 / 软件 | ruǎnjiàn | |
| 軟體 / 软体 | ruǎntǐ | Taiwan |
The term refers to encoded computer instructions. When counting or quantifying software, the measure word 款 (kuǎn) is commonly used with 軟件 / 软件.
What does it mean word for word?
The first character of the term, 軟 / 软, means 'soft'.
Which one should you use?
The term for software is the direct antonym of the terms used for hardware, which are 硬體 / 硬件.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, 軟體 / 软体 (ruǎntǐ) is the standard way to say software.
How do you pronounce it?
ruǎnjiàn
Did you know?
- The character 件 (jiàn) used in 軟件 is a measure word for clothing and luggage. This makes the word for 'software' share a linguistic root with the way one counts 'pieces' of a suit or a suitcase.
- When using the measure word 款 (kuǎn) for software, you are using a word that also describes 'styles' or 'models' of clothing or songs.
- The term 軟件 is a literal calque, meaning it was constructed by translating the English words 'soft' and 'ware' into their Chinese equivalents.
Examples in context
- 我正在开发一款新的软件。I am developing a new software.
- 这个软体需要更新。This software needs an update.
- 你有没有下载那个新的软件？Have you downloaded that new software?
- 这个软体好好玩！This software is so much fun!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “software” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 軟件, CC BY-SA 4.0.
