Chinese word

软件

Pronunciation

Pinyinruǎn jiàn

Meaning

  • nounsoftware

Example

我的电脑里装了新软件。wǒ de diàn nǎo lǐ zhuāng le xīn ruǎn jiàn

I installed new software on my computer.

Illustration for 软件 (software)

More examples

下载软件时要注意安全。xià zài ruǎn jiàn shí yào zhù yì ān quán

Take care to stay safe when downloading software.

Core concept

The invisible program layer that tells a computer or phone how to perform tasks and deliver services.

Common phrases

  • 安装软件ān zhuāng ruǎn jiàn

    install software

  • 开发软件kāi fā ruǎn jiàn

    develop software

  • 电脑软件diàn náo ruǎn jiàn

    computer software

Similar words

应用yìng yòng: A program designed for a specific purpose, such as a phone app.
程序chéng xù: An ordered set of instructions that a computer carries out.
系统xì tǒng: A set of connected parts or processes that work together as a whole.
硬件yìng jiàn: The physical parts, devices, and electronic circuits that make up a computer or phone.

Definition in Chinese

指电脑、手机等电子设备中运行的程序、应用及其附属数据，用来完成任务或提供服务，与硬件相对。zhǐ diàn nǎo shǒu jī děng diàn zi shè bèi zhōng yùn xíng de chéng xù yìng yòng jí qí fù shǔ shù jù yòng lái wán chéng rèn wù huò tí gōng fú wù yǔ yìng jiàn xiāng duì

Word origin

软件 (ruǎnjiàn, "software") is a modern Chinese calque of English software, formed from 软 (ruǎn, "soft") + 件 (jiàn, "item or component") and contrasted with 硬件 (yìngjiàn, "hardware").

Usage tips

  • A specific program is commonly counted with a classifier such as 款 (kuǎn, "type or model"), giving 一款软件 (yī kuǎn ruǎnjiàn, "a software program") a natural everyday shape.

Opposites

Related words

  • 软件包ruǎn jiàn bāosoftware packagenoun
  • 软件工程ruǎn jiàn gōng chéngsoftware engineeringnoun

Word lists with this word