软件开发 (ruǎn jiàn kāi fā)

noun HSK 5

Traditional 軟件開發

ruǎn jiàn kāi fā

software development · software engineering

Meaning

软件开发 refers to the process of designing, programming, testing, and maintaining computer software applications and systems. It encompasses all activities involved in creating software products, from initial planning and requirements gathering through coding, debugging, and deployment.

Usage

This is a professional and technical term widely used in the IT industry, business contexts, and academic settings. Native speakers use it when discussing careers, projects, or processes related to creating software. It's the standard term in mainland China, while Taiwan often uses 軟體開發 (ruǎn tǐ kāi fā) instead.

Examples

01
他在一家互联网公司做软件开发工作。
Tā zài yī jiā hù lián wǎng gōng sī zuò ruǎn jiàn kāi fā gōng zuò.
He does software development work at an internet company.
02
软件开发需要团队合作和良好的沟通能力。
Ruǎn jiàn kāi fā xū yào tuán duì hé zuò hé liáng hǎo de gōu tōng néng lì.
Software development requires teamwork and good communication skills.

Characters

Common collocations

软件开发工程师
ruǎn jiàn kāi fā gōng chéng shī
software development engineer
从事软件开发
cóng shì ruǎn jiàn kāi fā
to engage in software development
软件开发公司
ruǎn jiàn kāi fā gōng sī
software development company
软件开发流程
ruǎn jiàn kāi fā liú chéng
software development process

Origin

软件 (software) is a calque translation where 软 (soft) contrasts with 硬件 (hardware, literally 'hard item'). 开发 (develop) combines 开 (open/start) and 发 (expand/grow), creating the meaning of 'developing' or 'exploiting' resources or potential.