程序 (chéng xù) — procedure; sequence; order; computer program | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

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liánhéCoordinate

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

程chéngsequence

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.

禾呈程

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.

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

广予序

Meaning part形符xíngfú

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.

Appears in

HSK 3.0 Level 5 HSK 2.0 Level 5 Computers & Internet 2000 Most Frequent Chinese Words 3000 Most Frequent Chinese Words 5000 Most Frequent Chinese Words

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