程序 (chéng xù) — procedure; sequence; order; computer program

Definition

Two main senses: a sequence of steps to follow (broader than 步骤, which is a single step; 流程 emphasizes workflow), and a computer program. 手续 is paperwork/admin only.

noun
proceduresequenceordercomputer program
Measure word · 个

Examples

  • 程序。
    Qǐng àn zhào zhè ge chéng xù cāo zuò.
    Please follow this procedure.
  • 程序。
    Zhè ge chéng xù kě yǐ bāng wǒ men jì suàn.
    This program can help us with calculations.
  • 程序。
    Huì yì de chéng xù yǐ jīng dìng le.
    The meeting's agenda has already been set.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

程chéngsequence
序xùorder

程序 combines sequence and order to mean procedure or program.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
禾禾hégrain
Sound part声符shēngfú
呈
呈chéng程chéng
Same sound today

程 is made from 禾 (grain) and 呈 (pronounced chéng); the evidence gives measurements.

Open 程 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
广广guǎng
Sound part声符shēngfú
予
予yǔ序xù
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

序 combines 广 and 予; 予 gives the sound, while 广 marks the meaning.

Open 序 →
Appears in
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