进程 (jìnchéng)

进程 refers to the course or unfolding of a process, particularly large-scale historical, political, or social processes that advance over time. It is more formal and grand-scale than 过程 (guòchéng, process/course) and implies a forward-moving trajectory. It is common in historical narrative, political analysis, and academic writing.

Meanings

[n] process, course (the unfolding of a historical or large-scale development)
[n] progress, advancement (the degree of progress made in a process)

Example Sentences

工业革命极大地加速了人类文明的历史进程。 Gōngyè gémìng jídà de jiāsù le rénlèi wénmíng de lìshǐ jìnchéng. The Industrial Revolution greatly accelerated the historical course of human civilization.

推进法治建设的进程，需要立法、执法、司法三者的协调配合。 Tuījìn fǎzhì jiànshè de jìnchéng, xūyào lìfǎ, zhífǎ, sīfǎ sānzhě de xiétiáo pèihé. Advancing the process of rule-of-law construction requires the coordinated cooperation of legislation, law enforcement, and the judiciary.

这一政策调整将对该地区的经济一体化进程产生深远影响。 Zhè yī zhèngcè tiáozhěng jiāng duì gāi dìqū de jīngjì yītǐhuà jìnchéng chǎnshēng shēnyuǎn yǐngxiǎng. This policy adjustment will have a far-reaching impact on the economic integration process of the region.

民主化进程并非一帆风顺，往往伴随着社会的震荡与阵痛。 Mínzhǔhuà jìnchéng bìng fēi yīfān fēng shùn, wǎngwǎng bànsuí zhe shèhuì de zhèndàng yǔ zhèntòng. The process of democratization is not always smooth sailing; it is often accompanied by social turbulence and growing pains.

新冠疫情在一定程度上打乱了许多国家原定的经济复苏进程。 Xīnguān yìqíng zài yīdìng chéngdù shàng dǎluàn le xǔduō guójiā yuándìng de jīngjì fùsū jìnchéng. The COVID-19 pandemic to a certain extent disrupted the planned economic recovery process in many countries.

谈判进程因一方的突然退出而陷入停滞，国际社会对此深感忧虑。 Tánpàn jìnchéng yīn yīfāng de tūrán tuìchū ér xiànrù tíngzhì, guójì shèhuì duì cǐ shēn gǎn yōulǜ. The negotiation process fell into a standstill due to the sudden withdrawal of one party, causing deep concern in the international community.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
历史进程	historical process / course of history
推进进程	to advance the process
民主化进程	process of democratization
加速进程	to accelerate the process

Usage Notes

进程 and 过程 are close but 进程 has a stronger forward-moving, large-scale connotation: you would say 历史进程 (course of history) but 解题过程 (problem-solving process). 进程 also implies that the process is unfolding and ongoing in a meaningful direction, making it more appropriate for grand narratives of civilization, politics, or social development.

In computer science contexts, 进程 also refers to a "process" in the technical sense (a running program), but this usage is domain-specific and separate from the literary/political meaning.

Memory Hook

进 (to advance/progress) + 程 (course/journey) — 进程 is the advancing course, the forward movement of a great journey.