How do you say "software" in Chinese?

软件

ruǎn jiàn

Noun Hanzi

In Chinese, "software" is 软件 (ruǎn jiàn).

Listen to the pronunciation:

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Pronunciation

"ruǎn jiàn" is spoken with "ruǎn" is dipping down and curling back up (tone 3), then "jiàn" is falling fast and sharp, like a command (tone 4).

Writing and usage

软件 is written using hanzi. It's a noun, part of the vocabulary taught in the Noun Town language learning game.

Example sentence

新软件易于使用。

xīn ruǎn jiàn yì yú shǐ yòng 。

The new software is easy to use.

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How to remember 软件

Say "ruǎn jiàn" out loud three times fast — the repetition alone tends to cement "软件" (ruǎn jiàn) in memory.

Related words

Browse all Chinese words in the glossary.

Questions about 软件

How do you pronounce 软件?

"ruǎn jiàn" is spoken with "ruǎn" is dipping down and curling back up (tone 3), then "jiàn" is falling fast and sharp, like a command (tone 4).

Is 软件 formal or casual?

软件 is a neutral, everyday word that works in both casual and polite speech.

How is 软件 used in Chinese?

软件 is used the same way as the equivalent English noun. For example: 新软件易于使用。 (The new software is easy to use.).

Where can I practice Chinese words for free?

You can play free Chinese minigames in your browser on the Noun Town online games page, no sign-up required. Every word in the Chinese glossary also has native audio and an example sentence you can revisit any time.

"Software" in other languages

Curated by Callan Ratcliffe

This word is part of the vocabulary taught in the Chinese language learning game Noun Town, where words are introduced through play rather than memorisation. Want to play the full game? Get Noun Town on Steam.

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