程序 (chéngxù) — procedure; program

程序 (chéngxù)

程序 refers to either a formal sequence of steps or procedures that must be followed, or a computer program, making it a versatile term across legal, administrative, and technical contexts.

Meanings

1. [noun] procedure; process; formal steps
2. [noun] computer program; software application

Example Sentences

申请签证需要按照规定的程序提交相关材料。 Shēnqǐng qiānzhèng xūyào ànzhào guīdìng de chéngxù tíjiāo xiāngguān cáiliào. Applying for a visa requires submitting relevant documents following the prescribed procedures.

这个程序运行时占用大量内存，影响了电脑速度。 Zhège chéngxù yùnxíng shí zhànyòng dàliàng nèicún, yǐngxiǎng le diànnǎo sùdù. This program uses a lot of memory when running, affecting computer speed.

法律程序的每个环节都必须严格遵守，不得随意跳过。 Fǎlǜ chéngxù de měi gè huánjié dōu bìxū yángé zūnshǒu, bùdé suíyì tiàoguò. Every step of the legal procedure must be strictly adhered to and cannot be skipped.

工程师花了两个月时间编写并测试这套程序。 Gōngchéngshī huā le liǎng gè yuè shíjiān biānxiě bìng cèshì zhè tào chéngxù. The engineer spent two months writing and testing this program.

行政审批程序过于繁琐，让许多企业感到不便。 Xíngzhèng shěnpī chéngxù guòyú fánsuǒ, ràng xǔduō qǐyè gǎndào bùbiàn. The administrative approval procedures are overly cumbersome, causing inconvenience for many enterprises.

这款应用程序支持多种语言，方便全球用户使用。 Zhè kuǎn yìngyòng chéngxù zhīchí duō zhǒng yǔyán, fāngbiàn quánqiú yònghù shǐyòng. This application supports multiple languages, making it convenient for users worldwide.

Collocations

Usage Notes

程序 covers two distinct but structurally related meanings: formal step-by-step procedures (in administration, law, and process management) and computer programs. Context makes the meaning clear.

In technology, 应用程序 (yìngyòng chéngxù) is abbreviated as 应用 or 软件 in casual speech, but the full form remains standard in formal and technical writing. The related term 程序员 (programmer) is very common in the tech industry.

Memory Hook

程 (process/journey) + 序 (sequence/order) -- an ordered journey of steps -- procedure; program.