应用程序
Application; a program or software designed for a specific purpose.
应用程序 in 30 Seconds
- Formal term for 'Application' or 'App'.
- Used in tech, UI, and written contexts.
- Colloquially replaced by 'App' or '软件'.
- Composed of 'Apply' (应用) + 'Program' (程序).
The Chinese word 应用程序 (yìng yòng chéng xù) translates directly to 'application program' or simply 'application' in English. In modern daily life, it is most commonly abbreviated as 'App' (often pronounced as 'A-P-P' or 'ap' in China). The term is composed of four characters: 应 (yìng) meaning 'should' or 'to answer/respond', 用 (yòng) meaning 'to use', 程 (chéng) meaning 'rule/order/journey', and 序 (xù) meaning 'sequence/order'. Together, 应用 (yìng yòng) means 'applied' or 'application' (as in applied sciences or practical use), and 程序 (chéng xù) means 'program' or 'procedure'. Therefore, an 应用程序 is a software program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program. This distinguishes it from system software, such as operating systems, which are involved in integrating a computer's various capabilities, but typically do not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. Examples of applications include word processors, database programs, web browsers, development tools, drawing, paint, and image editing programs, and communication programs. Applications use the services of the computer's operating system and other supporting programs. The formal term 应用程序 is widely used in technical documentation, software interfaces, official app stores, and academic contexts. However, in casual spoken Chinese, people overwhelmingly prefer using the English loanword 'App' or the shorter Chinese term 软件 (ruǎn jiàn - software). Understanding 应用程序 is crucial for anyone navigating the Chinese digital landscape, from downloading tools on a smartphone to reading terms of service. As technology evolves, the line between web applications and native applications continues to blur, but the core concept of an 应用程序 remains a fundamental pillar of modern computing. Whether you are using a mobile phone, a tablet, a desktop computer, or a smart TV, you are interacting with 应用程序 constantly. They are the primary way users interact with digital devices, transforming generic hardware into specialized tools for communication, entertainment, productivity, and learning.
我刚刚下载了一个新的应用程序来学习中文。
这个应用程序需要更新才能继续使用。
你手机里最常用的应用程序是什么？
开发一个成功的应用程序需要很多时间和精力。
请在设置中允许该应用程序访问您的位置。
- 应用 (yìng yòng)
- Application; to apply. Used in contexts like 'applied mathematics' (应用数学).
- 程序 (chéng xù)
- Program; procedure. Refers to the code or the steps to complete a task.
- App (App)
- The colloquial and widely accepted English loanword used interchangeably with 应用程序 in daily life.
Using the term 应用程序 (yìng yòng chéng xù) correctly depends heavily on the context and the register of your communication. Because it is a formal, four-character noun, it is primarily found in written Chinese, technical manuals, user interfaces, and professional presentations. When you open your smartphone's settings menu and look for the section to manage your downloaded software, it will almost certainly be labeled '应用程序' or '应用管理' (Application Management). In spoken Chinese, using the full four-character term can sometimes sound overly formal or robotic, akin to saying 'software application program' instead of 'app' in English. Therefore, native speakers typically shorten it. The most common abbreviation is simply 应用 (yìng yòng). For example, an app store is called 应用商店 (yìng yòng shāng diàn). Another very common alternative is the English word App. In China, 'App' is universally understood and is often pronounced by spelling out the letters 'A-P-P' rather than as a single syllable 'ap', though both pronunciations are heard. When constructing sentences with 应用程序, it functions as a standard noun. Common verbs paired with it include 下载 (xià zài - to download), 安装 (ān zhuāng - to install), 打开 (dǎ kāi - to open), 关闭 (guān bì - to close), 更新 (gēng xīn - to update), and 卸载 (xiè zài - to uninstall). For example, 'I want to download an application' is 我想下载一个应用程序 (Wǒ xiǎng xià zài yí ge yìng yòng chéng xù). You can also use measure words with it; the most common measure word is 个 (ge) or 款 (kuǎn). 款 is used to emphasize a specific type or model of software, e.g., 这款应用程序很好用 (This application is very easy to use). Furthermore, 应用程序 can be categorized. You might hear terms like 移动应用程序 (yí dòng yìng yòng chéng xù - mobile application), 桌面应用程序 (zhuō miàn yìng yòng chéng xù - desktop application), or Web应用程序 (Web yìng yòng chéng xù - web application). In professional environments, such as software development companies or IT departments, the full term is used frequently to distinguish user-facing software from backend systems, databases, or operating systems. Understanding these nuances ensures that you sound natural and context-appropriate when discussing technology in Chinese. Remember: formal writing = 应用程序; app store = 应用商店; casual speaking = App or 软件.
The term 应用程序 (yìng yòng chéng xù) is ubiquitous in the modern digital ecosystem of Chinese-speaking regions. You will encounter this word constantly if you use any digital device set to the Chinese language. The most prominent place you will see it is within the operating systems of smartphones, tablets, and computers. For instance, on an Android or iOS device, navigating to the settings to clear cache, manage permissions, or delete software will lead you to a menu titled 应用程序 (Applications) or 应用 (Apps). When you purchase a new device and read the user manual, the instructions will repeatedly use this formal term to guide you on how to install and manage your software. Beyond personal devices, you will hear and see this term in professional IT and business environments. During tech conferences, product launches, or software development meetings, engineers and product managers will discuss the architecture, user interface, and performance of their 应用程序. In academic settings, computer science textbooks and lectures use the term extensively to explain software engineering principles. Furthermore, official government documents and legal texts regarding cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital regulations will always use the formal 应用程序 rather than colloquial terms. For example, a privacy policy might state, '本应用程序收集您的位置信息' (This application collects your location information). You will also hear it in customer service interactions. If you call a tech support hotline because a program is crashing, the representative might ask, '您使用的是哪个应用程序？' (Which application are you using?). In the media, news reports about the tech industry, such as a company launching a revolutionary new tool or a controversy over an app's data usage, will utilize the term. However, as noted before, in everyday casual conversations at a coffee shop or on the subway, you are much more likely to hear people say 'App' or '软件' (ruǎn jiàn). But the moment the context shifts to something official, technical, or written, 应用程序 reclaims its position as the standard vocabulary word. Therefore, mastering this word is essential for digital literacy in Chinese.
When learning and using the term 应用程序 (yìng yòng chéng xù), Chinese learners often make a few common mistakes, primarily related to register, word choice, and pronunciation. The most frequent mistake is overusing the full four-character term in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, saying '我最喜欢的应用程序是微信' (My favorite application program is WeChat) to a friend sounds unnaturally formal and stiff. A native speaker would almost always say '我最喜欢的App是微信' or '我最喜欢的软件是微信'. Learners need to understand that 应用程序 belongs primarily to written, technical, or formal contexts. Another common confusion arises between 应用程序 (application), 软件 (software), and 系统 (system). While all applications are software, not all software is an application. 软件 (ruǎn jiàn) is the broader term encompassing everything from operating systems to background scripts. 应用程序 specifically refers to the user-facing programs. Using them interchangeably in technical discussions can lead to misunderstandings. For example, calling Windows an 应用程序 is incorrect; it is an 操作系统 (operating system). Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 应用程序 with just 程序 (chéng xù). While 程序 means 'program' or 'procedure', it can refer to any set of coded instructions, including simple scripts or background processes that the user never sees. 应用程序 specifically implies a complete, packaged tool for the user. Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The pinyin is yìng yòng chéng xù. A common error is mispronouncing the fourth tone on 应 (yìng) as a first tone (yīng), which changes the meaning. 'Yīng yòng' is incorrect; it must be 'yìng yòng'. Furthermore, the 'xù' in 程序 requires the 'ü' sound, which does not exist in English. Learners often pronounce it like 'shoo', which sounds like 处 (chù) or 树 (shù). The correct sound requires rounding the lips as if to say 'oo' but making the 'ee' sound. Finally, when using measure words, learners might default to the generic 个 (ge). While 个 is acceptable (一个应用程序), using 款 (kuǎn) sounds much more native and professional when referring to a specific piece of software (这款应用程序). Avoiding these mistakes will significantly improve the naturalness and accuracy of your Chinese when discussing technology.
The Chinese vocabulary for technology and software is rich, and several words are similar to or related to 应用程序 (yìng yòng chéng xù). Understanding the nuances between these terms is key to precise communication. The most closely related term is 软件 (ruǎn jiàn), which translates to 'software'. 软件 is a broader category. Every 应用程序 is a 软件, but not every 软件 is an 应用程序. For example, an operating system or a device driver is 软件, but it is not typically called an 应用程序. In daily conversation, 软件 is often used interchangeably with app, especially for desktop programs. Another highly relevant term is App. This is the English loanword that has been fully integrated into modern Chinese. It is the exact equivalent of 'app' in English and is the preferred term for mobile applications in casual speech. You will also encounter the term 程序 (chéng xù), meaning 'program' or 'procedure'. This refers to the actual code or the sequence of instructions. A programmer writes 程序 to build an 应用程序. Another related concept is 系统 (xì tǒng), meaning 'system'. This usually refers to the operating system (操作系统 - cāo zuò xì tǒng) like Windows, iOS, or Android, which provides the environment for the 应用程序 to run. When discussing web-based tools, you might hear 网页应用 (wǎng yè yìng yòng) or Web App, which refers to applications accessed via a browser rather than installed locally. For smaller, lightweight apps within a larger ecosystem (like WeChat mini-programs), the term is 小程序 (xiǎo chéng xù). This translates literally to 'small program' and refers to apps that don't require downloading from an app store. Finally, in the context of mobile devices, you might hear 客户端 (kè hù duān), meaning 'client' or 'client-side'. This is often used to distinguish the downloaded app on your phone from the server-side operations or the web browser version (e.g., 微信客户端 - WeChat client). By mastering these similar and related words, you can navigate Chinese technical discussions with confidence and precision, choosing the exact right word for the specific type of software you are describing.
How Formal Is It?
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Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Examples by Level
我有一个新的应用程序。
I have a new app.
Basic Subject + 有 (have) + Object structure.
这个应用程序很好。
This app is very good.
Subject + 很 (very) + Adjective.
我每天用这个应用程序。
I use this app every day.
Time word (每天) placed before the verb (用).
怎么下载应用程序？
How to download the app?
怎么 (how) + Verb.
打开你的应用程序。
Open your app.
Imperative sentence using 打开 (open).
这个应用程序是免费的。
This app is free.
Use of 是...的 construction for emphasis/description.
我喜欢这个应用程序。
I like this app.
Basic Subject + Verb + Object.
应用程序在手机里。
The app is in the phone.
Location structure: 在 + Place + 里.
请在应用商店下载这个应用程序。
Please download this app from the app store.
Prepositional phrase 在应用商店 (at the app store) before the verb.
这个应用程序需要连接网络。
This app needs to connect to the internet.
需要 (need to) + Verb phrase.
你可以用这个应用程序学习中文。
You can use this app to learn Chinese.
用 (use) + Object + Verb (to do something).
我的手机里有很多应用程序。
There are many apps in my phone.
Place + 有 (has/there is) + Noun.
这个应用程序占了太多空间。
This app takes up too much space.
了 indicating completed action or current state.
我不知道怎么更新应用程序。
I don't know how to update the app.
知道 (know) + Question word (怎么) + Verb.
你可以帮我安装这个应用程序吗？
Can you help me install this app?
帮 (help) + Person + Verb.
这个应用程序比那个好用。
This app is easier to use than that one.
Comparative structure: A 比 B + Adjective.
这款应用程序的界面设计非常简洁。
The interface design of this app is very clean.
Use of measure word 款 for software; 的 connecting noun phrases.
如果你忘记密码，可以在应用程序里重置。
If you forget your password, you can reset it in the app.
如果...就/可以 (If... then) conditional structure.
最新的更新修复了应用程序崩溃的问题。
The latest update fixed the app crash issue.
Verb 修复 (fix) + Object (问题 - problem).
很多年轻人都沉迷于短视频应用程序。
Many young people are addicted to short video apps.
沉迷于 (addicted to) + Noun.
为了保护隐私，请检查应用程序的权限设置。
To protect privacy, please check the app's permission settings.
为了 (in order to) indicating purpose.
这款应用程序不仅免费，而且没有广告。
This app is not only free, but also has no ads.
不仅...而且... (not only... but also) conjunction.
开发者正在努力提高应用程序的运行速度。
Developers are working hard to improve the app's running speed.
正在 (currently) indicating continuous action.
你可以通过这个应用程序预订火车票和酒店。
You can book train tickets and hotels through this app.
通过 (through/by means of) + Noun/Method.
该应用程序涉嫌违规收集用户的个人地理位置信息。
The application is suspected of illegally collecting users' personal location information.
涉嫌 (suspected of) + Verb phrase.
随着人工智能的发展，许多应用程序集成了语音识别功能。
With the development of AI, many applications have integrated voice recognition features.
随着...的发展 (With the development of...).
这款跨平台应用程序可以在Windows和macOS上无缝运行。
This cross-platform application can run seamlessly on Windows and macOS.
在...上 (on...) indicating platform.
为了提升用户留存率，应用程序增加了每日签到奖励。
To improve user retention, the app added a daily check-in reward.
为了 (In order to) + Goal, Subject + Action.
用户在安装第三方应用程序时应保持警惕，以防恶意软件。
Users should remain vigilant when installing third-party apps to prevent malware.
在...时 (when...) indicating time condition; 以防 (in order to prevent).
应用程序的后端架构决定了它能否处理高并发请求。
The backend architecture of the application determines whether it can handle high concurrency requests.
决定了 (determines) + 能否 (whether or not).
尽管市场竞争激烈，这款应用程序依然占据了主导地位。
Despite fierce market competition, this app still occupies a dominant position.
尽管...依然... (Although/Despite... still...).
系统会自动清理长时间未使用的应用程序以释放内存。
The system will automatically clean up applications that haven't been used for a long time to free up memory.
以 (in order to) connecting action and purpose.
该应用程序的API接口允许第三方开发者进行深度定制和功能拓展。
The application's API interface allows third-party developers to perform deep customization and functional expansion.
允许 (allow) + Object + Verb phrase.
在严格的数据合规审查下，该应用程序被迫修改了其隐私政策。
Under strict data compliance review, the application was forced to modify its privacy policy.
在...下 (Under the condition of...); 被迫 (forced to).
这款企业级应用程序的部署极大地优化了公司的供应链管理流程。
The deployment of this enterprise-level application greatly optimized the company's supply chain management process.
极大地 (greatly) modifying the verb 优化 (optimize).
去中心化应用程序（DApp）正试图颠覆传统的中心化服务器架构。
Decentralized applications (DApps) are attempting to disrupt traditional centralized server architectures.
试图 (attempt to) + Verb.
应用程序生命周期管理涵盖了从需求分析、代码编写到测试和发布的全过程。
Application lifecycle management covers the entire process from requirement analysis and coding to testing and release.
涵盖了 (covers) + 从...到... (from... to...).
鉴于潜在的安全漏洞，IT部门建议立即对所有核心应用程序进行补丁升级。
Given potential security vulnerabilities, the IT department recommends immediately patching all core applications.
鉴于 (Given/In view of) introducing a reason.
该应用程序通过复杂的推荐算法，实现了高度个性化的内容分发。
Through complex recommendation algorithms, the application achieved highly personalized content distribution.
通过 (Through/By means of) + Method, 实现了 (achieved) + Result.
开发者必须确保应用程序符合无障碍设计标准，以服务视障用户。
Developers must ensure the application meets accessibility design standards to serve visually impaired users.
确保 (ensure) + Clause; 以 (in order to) + Verb.
在反垄断调查的压力下，科技巨头不得不开放其应用程序商店的支付渠道。
Under the pressure of antitrust investigations, tech giants had to open up the payment channels of their app stores.
不得不 (have no choice but to) indicating forced action.
该应用程序的底层逻辑不仅重塑了消费者的购买习惯，更催生了全新的零工经济模式。
The underlying logic of this application not only reshaped consumer purchasing habits but also spawned a completely new gig economy model.
不仅...更... (not only... but even more so) for progressive emphasis.
学术界对于此类应用程序在潜移默化中剥夺用户注意力资源的现象表达了深切的担忧。
The academic community has expressed deep concern over the phenomenon of such applications imperceptibly depriving users of their attentional resources.
对于...表达了担忧 (expressed concern regarding...); 潜移默化中 (imperceptibly).
构建一个具有高容错率和弹性扩展能力的微服务架构，是现代大型应用程序的必然选择。
Building a microservices architecture with high fault tolerance and elastic scalability is the inevitable choice for modern large-scale applications.
...是...的必然选择 (... is the inevitable choice for...).
随着边缘计算的普及，应用程序的计算负载正逐渐从云端向设备终端转移，以降低延迟。
With the popularization of edge computing, the computational load of applications is gradually shifting from the cloud to the device terminals to reduce latency.
从...向...转移 (shifting from... to...).
该法案明确界定了应用程序提供者在处理跨境数据传输时必须履行的法律义务。
The bill clearly defines the legal obligations that application providers must fulfill when handling cross-border data transfers.
明确界定了 (clearly defined) + Object clause.
在高度内卷的存量市场中，应用程序唯有通过持续的模式创新才能打破增长瓶颈。
In a highly involuted saturated market, applications can only break through growth bottlenecks through continuous model innovation.
唯有...才能... (only by... can...).
这款开源应用程序的成功，印证了社区驱动的协同开发模式在软件工程领域的巨大潜力。
The success of this open-source application confirms the huge potential of community-driven collaborative development models in the field of software engineering.
印证了 (confirmed/verified) + Noun phrase.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
应用程序接口 (API - Application Programming Interface)
应用程序错误 (Application error)
应用程序崩溃 (Application crash)
第三方应用程序 (Third-party application)
默认应用程序 (Default application)
应用程序权限 (Application permissions)
应用程序内购买 (In-app purchase)
恶意应用程序 (Malicious application)
应用程序图标 (Application icon)
后台应用程序 (Background application)
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
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Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
应用 can be a verb (to apply), but 应用程序 is strictly a noun.
Often abbreviated to just 应用 (yìng yòng) in compound words, like 应用商店 (App Store).
In Taiwan, 'application program' is often translated as 应用程式 (yìng yòng chéng shì) rather than 应用程序.
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Saying '我喜欢这个应用程序' to a friend.
Using the full four-character term in casual speech sounds unnaturally formal.
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Pronouncing it 'yīng yòng chéng xù'.
The first character 应 must be the 4th tone (falling), not the 1st tone (flat).
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Calling an operating system an 应用程序.
An application is software that runs on an OS, not the OS itself.
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Using the measure word 本 (běn) or 张 (zhāng).
Apps are not books (本) or flat objects (张). They are digital items, best described with 款.
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Writing 'App' in a formal Chinese business contract.
English loanwords are generally avoided in strict formal or legal Chinese writing.
Tips
Use 'App' in Daily Life
Don't force yourself to say 应用程序 in casual chats. It sounds robotic. Just say 'App' or '软件'. Save the long word for reading menus or formal situations.
Measure Word '款'
Upgrade your Chinese by using the measure word 款 (kuǎn) instead of 个 (ge) when talking about software. '这款App很好用' sounds very native and polished.
Learn the Verbs
Always pair 应用程序 with the right verbs: 下载 (download), 安装 (install), 打开 (open), 关闭 (close), and 卸载 (uninstall). These are essential tech verbs.
Watch the 4th Tone
Make sure you pronounce 应 as yìng (4th tone), not yīng (1st tone). 'Yìng yòng' means application. Mispronouncing the tone is a common beginner mistake.
Look for the Abbreviation
When navigating Chinese websites or phone menus, look for the two-character abbreviation 应用 (yìng yòng). It means the exact same thing and saves space on the screen.
Understand Super Apps
Realize that in China, an 'App' like WeChat is more like an operating system. It contains payments, social media, and mini-programs. The concept of an app is much broader.
Formal Writing Rule
If you are writing an essay, a business email, or translating a technical document, never write 'App'. You must write the full Chinese term 应用程序 to be professional.
Distinguish from System
Remember that an app is not a system. Don't call Windows or iOS an 应用程序. They are 操作系统 (operating systems). Apps run ON the system.
A-P-P vs Ap
Train your ear to recognize both pronunciations of the English loanword. If someone says 'A-P-P', they mean 'App'. Don't be confused by the spelling out of the letters.
Error Messages
If an app crashes, the error message on your phone will almost certainly use the formal term: '应用程序无响应' (Application is not responding). Knowing the word helps you troubleshoot.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
An 'App' is an APPLICATION (应用) PROGRAM (程序) that you USE (用) on your phone.
Word Origin
A modern compound word created to translate the English computer science term 'application program'. '应用' means applied or application, and '程序' means sequence or program.
Cultural Context
China is famous for 'Super Apps' (超级应用), which bundle many services into one application.
Inside big apps like WeChat, there are 'Mini Programs' (小程序) which are essentially apps within an app, requiring no download.
Many Chinese people pronounce 'App' by spelling it out 'A-P-P' rather than saying 'ap'. Both are understood.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"你最常用的应用程序是什么？ (What is your most frequently used app?)"
"你有没有推荐的学中文的应用程序？ (Do you have any recommended apps for learning Chinese?)"
"你觉得哪个应用程序最浪费时间？ (Which app do you think wastes the most time?)"
"你会花钱购买应用程序吗？ (Do you spend money buying apps?)"
"你的手机里有多少个应用程序？ (How many apps are on your phone?)"
Journal Prompts
Describe your favorite 应用程序 and why you like it.
How have 应用程序 changed your daily life compared to 10 years ago?
If you could design a new 应用程序, what would it do?
Write a short review of an 应用程序 you recently downloaded.
Discuss the privacy concerns related to modern 应用程序.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, absolutely. In fact, in casual conversation, saying 'App' is much more common and natural than saying the full four-character term 应用程序. Everyone from children to grandparents understands the word 'App'. You can pronounce it as 'A-P-P' (spelling the letters) or 'ap'. However, in formal writing or technical contexts, you must use 应用程序.
软件 (ruǎn jiàn) means 'software' and is a broader term. All applications are software, but not all software is an application. For example, your phone's operating system (like iOS or Android) is 软件, but it is not an 应用程序. 应用程序 specifically refers to the programs you open and use, like a game or a calculator. In daily speech, people often use them interchangeably.
The most common and generic measure word is 个 (ge), as in 一个应用程序 (one app). However, if you want to sound more professional or are referring to a specific piece of software, use 款 (kuǎn), as in 这款应用程序 (this app). You might also see 套 (tào) used for a suite of applications, like Microsoft Office.
Yes. 应用程序 is the universal term for application programs across all devices. You can specify by saying 移动应用程序 (mobile application) or 桌面应用程序 (desktop application). However, in casual speech, people tend to use 'App' for phones and '软件' (ruǎn jiàn) for computers.
The formal term is 应用程序商店 (yìng yòng chéng xù shāng diàn). However, this is almost always shortened to 应用商店 (yìng yòng shāng diàn). For example, Apple's App Store is simply called 苹果应用商店 (Apple App Store).
小程序 (xiǎo chéng xù) translates to 'mini-program'. This refers to lightweight applications that run inside a larger 'super app', most notably WeChat. You don't need to download them from an app store; you just search for them inside WeChat and use them instantly. They are incredibly popular in China.
In China, it is very common to pronounce acronyms or English loanwords by spelling out the individual letters. Pronouncing 'App' as 'A-P-P' (ay-pee-pee) is just as common, if not more common, than pronouncing it as a single syllable 'ap'. Both are perfectly acceptable.
To download an app is 下载应用程序 (xià zài yìng yòng chéng xù) or simply 下载App. To delete or uninstall an app, the formal term is 卸载应用程序 (xiè zài yìng yòng chéng xù). In casual speech, you can also say 删掉App (shān diào App - delete the app).
应用程序 is strictly a noun. It refers to the software itself. The first two characters, 应用 (yìng yòng), can be used as a verb meaning 'to apply' (e.g., 应用这个技术 - apply this technology), but the full four-character term is always a noun.
In Taiwan, the term is slightly different. They use 应用程式 (yìng yòng chéng shì) instead of 应用程序. The meaning is exactly the same, but the last character changes from 序 (xù) to 式 (shì). They also frequently use the English word 'App'.
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Summary
Use 应用程序 in formal writing, technical settings, or when reading device menus, but stick to saying 'App' or '软件' (ruǎn jiàn) in everyday casual conversations to sound like a native speaker.
- Formal term for 'Application' or 'App'.
- Used in tech, UI, and written contexts.
- Colloquially replaced by 'App' or '软件'.
- Composed of 'Apply' (应用) + 'Program' (程序).
Use 'App' in Daily Life
Don't force yourself to say 应用程序 in casual chats. It sounds robotic. Just say 'App' or '软件'. Save the long word for reading menus or formal situations.
Measure Word '款'
Upgrade your Chinese by using the measure word 款 (kuǎn) instead of 个 (ge) when talking about software. '这款App很好用' sounds very native and polished.
Learn the Verbs
Always pair 应用程序 with the right verbs: 下载 (download), 安装 (install), 打开 (open), 关闭 (close), and 卸载 (uninstall). These are essential tech verbs.
Watch the 4th Tone
Make sure you pronounce 应 as yìng (4th tone), not yīng (1st tone). 'Yìng yòng' means application. Mispronouncing the tone is a common beginner mistake.
Example
我的手机上安装了很多有用的应用程序。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
