缓存 (huǎn cún) — cache (computing); buffer memory

Definition

Computing term for 'cache' — temporary storage (memory or disk) that holds recently used data so the system can retrieve it faster. Verbs commonly paired with it are 清理 'clear' and 保存 'save'.

noun
cache (computing)buffer memory

Examples

  • 缓存。
    Diàn nǎo de huǎn cún yǐ jīng mǎn le.
    The computer's cache is full.
  • ，缓存。
    Liú lǎn wǎng yè shí, huǎn cún huì bǎo cún shù jù.
    When browsing web pages, the cache saves data.
  • 缓存。
    Dìng qī qīng lǐ huǎn cún néng tí gāo shǒu jī xìng néng.
    Regularly clearing the cache can improve phone performance.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

缓huǎnbuffer
存cúnstore

缓 suggests buffering or easing, and 存 denotes storage, together naming cache memory.

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.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 緩; 缓 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
糸糸mìsilk
Sound part声符shēngfú
爰
爰yuán緩huǎn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 緩 pairs 糸 (silk) with 爰, which gives the sound; the simplified 缓 is a later shorthand.

Open 缓 →

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
子子zǐ
Sound part声符shēngfú
才
才cái存cún
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

存 pairs 子 with 才, which was used for the sound.

Open 存 →

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