程序

• Pinyin: chéng xù
• Hanzi breakdown: 程 = 禾 (grain) + 呈 (present, phonetic), meaning journey or schedule; 序 = 广 (shelter) + 予 (give, phonetic), meaning order or sequence

Meaning

Procedure; programme; process. A set of steps followed in a particular order, or a computer program.

Has two main modern meanings: (1) a fixed sequence of steps or formalities (legal procedure, application process), and (2) a computer program or software application. 程序员 (programmer) is one of the most common compound words using this term.

Examples

1. 办理签证的程序比较复杂。 The procedure for applying for a visa is quite complicated.
2. 他是一个经验丰富的程序员。 He is an experienced programmer.
3. 请按照正确的程序操作这台机器。 Please operate this machine according to the correct procedure.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, official, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个程序运行得很快。(This program runs very fast.)
• 报名的程序很简单。(The registration procedure is very simple.)

Don't Say

• 做饭的程序是先洗菜 (For cooking steps, use 步骤 or 顺序; 程序 implies a formal, structured process or a computer program)

Origin & History

程 means a journey, distance, or schedule; 序 means order or sequence. Together they describe a set sequence of steps.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal