应用程序 (yìng yòng chéng xù)

noun HSK 5

Traditional 應用程序

yìng yòng chéng xù

application (software) · app · application program

Meaning

This is the formal Mandarin term for a software application or app. It combines 应用 (application/to apply) with 程序 (program/procedure), creating the complete technical term for any software designed to perform specific tasks for users, from mobile apps to desktop applications.

Usage

Commonly used in technical contexts, software development, and formal writing. In casual speech, people often shorten it to 应用 or use the English loanword 'app' (āpǔ). Tech-savvy speakers might say 软件 for general software or 程序 for simpler programs.

Examples

01
我需要在手机上安装这个应用程序。
Wǒ xū yào zài shǒu jī shàng ān zhuāng zhè ge yìng yòng chéng xù.
I need to install this application on my phone.
02
这款应用程序可以帮助你学习中文。
Zhè kuǎn yìng yòng chéng xù kě yǐ bāng zhù nǐ xué xí Zhōng wén.
This app can help you learn Chinese.

Characters

Measure words

个gè一个应用程序
款kuǎn几款应用程序

Common collocations

手机应用程序
shǒu jī yìng yòng chéng xù
mobile application
下载应用程序
xià zǎi yìng yòng chéng xù
to download an app
运行应用程序
yùn xíng yìng yòng chéng xù
to run an application
安装应用程序
ān zhuāng yìng yòng chéng xù
to install an application

Origin

Compound of 应用 (application, practical use) and 程序 (program, procedure). The term emerged as Chinese computing terminology developed, translating the English 'application program' into native components.