1. the programs and other operating information used by a computer
電腦使用的程式和其他操作資訊
The company develops business software.
這家公司開發商業軟體。
You need to install the software before you can use the printer.
你需要先安裝軟體才能使用這台印表機。
Software Meaning（定義、用法、例句與發音）
software
noun
快速理解
What does "Software" mean?What are 2-3 core uses of "Software"?
軟體是驅動電腦運作的程式與資料的總稱。
- 1
核心概念
EN: Programs and data used to operate computers.
翻譯: 用於操作電腦的程式與資料。
- 2
對比硬體
EN: The intangible instructions, as opposed to physical hardware.
翻譯: 相對於實體硬體的無形指令。
- 3
應用類型
EN: Applications for specific tasks, like word processors or games.
翻譯: 用於特定任務的應用程式，如文書處理軟體或遊戲。
- 4
系統層級
EN: System software that manages computer resources, like an operating system.
翻譯: 管理電腦資源的系統軟體，例如作業系統。
小提醒：「software」是不可數名詞，不能說 "a software" 或 "softwares"，正確用法是 "a piece of software" 或 "software programs"。
發音（How to Pronounce "Software" in English）
How to pronounce "Software" in English?"Software" US vs UK pronunciation
點擊下方的 US / UK 按鈕可播放發音。
Real-life Examples of "Software" from YouTube Videos
Volley (W18) - YC Tech Talks: Gaming 2020 (November 9th, 2020)
Y Combinator
“we're building our own kind of like unreal engine for voice, which we think is like the most ambitious kind of gaming engine, uh for voice controlled software that we're really excited about, um, as well as a lot of, you know, cool new gaming projects, including the ones i mentioned that already out, as well as uh new ones that have not been discussed uh or released yet.”
(1 out of 108)
Definitions（定義）
What are the definitions of "Software"?How does "Software" change by context?
2. the general term for computer programs, apps, and operating systems
電腦程式、應用程式和作業系統的統稱
There are many different types of software available for video editing.
市面上有許多不同類型的影片編輯軟體。
The new software update fixed several security issues.
新的軟體更新修復了幾個安全問題。
3. the intangible components of a computer system, as opposed to the physical hardware
電腦系統中無形的組成部分，與實體的硬體相對
A computer system requires both hardware and software to function.
一個電腦系統需要硬體和軟體才能運作。
The problem is not with the hardware; it's a software bug.
問題不在硬體，而是一個軟體錯誤。
4. a commercial product or service in the form of computer programs
以電腦程式形式存在的商業產品或服務
They work in the software industry.
他們在軟體產業工作。
The company's main revenue comes from licensing its software.
這家公司的主要收入來自於授權其軟體。
Grammar & Patterns（句型）
What are common sentence patterns for "Software"?How to make natural sentences with "Software"?
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| software + noun | 軟體（的）… | The company develops **software solutions** for small businesses. (這家公司為小型企業開發**軟體解決方案**。) |
| adjective + software | …的軟體 | We need to install **antivirus software** on all computers. (我們需要在所有電腦上安裝**防毒軟體**。) |
| verb + software | …軟體 | The IT department will **update the software** next week. (IT部門將於下週**更新軟體**。) |
| software + for + noun/gerund | 用於…的軟體 | She is looking for **software for video editing**. (她正在尋找**用於影片編輯的軟體**。) |
| software + that + clause | …的軟體 | We use **software that automates the billing process**. (我們使用**能自動化帳單處理流程的軟體**。) |
用法說明
How is "Software" different from similar structures?What usage mistakes are common with "Software"?
software 與 software program 的區別
- software 是一個不可數名詞，泛指所有類型的軟體或程式，不指單一應用。
- a software program 或 a piece of software 則用來指稱一個具體的、可數的軟體應用程式。
- 在正式或技術文件中，使用 software 作為集合名詞更為常見。
- 在口語中，有時會聽到將 software 當作可數名詞使用（例如 "several softwares"），但這被視為不嚴謹的用法。 EN: We need to update the antivirus software on all company computers. 翻譯: 我們需要更新公司所有電腦上的防毒軟體。
EN:I just installed a useful software program for editing photos.
翻譯:我剛安裝了一個好用的照片編輯軟體程式。
總結建議
在正式寫作或溝通中，請將 "software" 視為不可數名詞，並使用 "a software program" 或 "a piece of software" 來指稱單一軟體。
易混淆對比
What is the difference between "Software" and similar words?How to choose "Software" vs alternatives?
software vs hardware
「software」指的是電腦執行的程式和應用，而「hardware」指的是電腦的實體設備。
software vs application
「software」是所有電腦程式的總稱，而「application」通常指使用者直接操作的特定程式。
software vs program
「software」通常指一套完整的軟體產品或集合，而「program」常指單一的可執行檔案或程式碼單元。
口語用法
How is "Software" used in spoken English?What is the spoken vs formal difference for "Software"?
引述
在對話中，當引述或轉述他人對某個軟體的評價或描述時，常會用「這個/那個 software」來指代。 EN: He was like, "This new software is a total game-changer." 翻譯: 他就說：「這個新 software 完全是個改變遊戲規則的東西。」
EN:Everyone keeps saying that software is super buggy right now.
翻譯:大家一直在說那個 software 現在問題超多。
語氣強調
為了強調軟體的特定屬性（如速度、問題、成本），會在「software」前加上強烈的形容詞或使用誇張的語氣詞。 EN: Dude, that is some seriously slow software. 翻譯: 老兄，那真是慢到不行的 software。
EN:We paid how much for this software? It's insane!
翻譯:我們花了多少錢買這個 software？太誇張了！
停頓填充
在組織思緒或尋找合適詞語時，「software」一詞本身或其相關短語（如「the software...」）可能被用作短暫的停頓點。 EN: So the issue is... the software... just won't sync properly. 翻譯: 所以問題是... 那個 software... 就是沒辦法正常同步。
EN:We need to, you know, update the software... before the meeting.
翻譯:我們需要，你知道的，更新一下 software... 在開會之前。
正式寫作注意：在正式報告或學術寫作中，應避免上述口語用法。請使用完整、精確的術語（如「application」、「platform」、「system」或具體產品名），並保持句子結構完整，避免填充詞和過於隨意的強調語。
常見短語
What common collocations use "Software"?What fixed phrases with "Software" should I remember?
software development
noun + noun
軟體開發
software update
noun + noun
軟體更新
software company
noun + noun
軟體公司
software license
noun + noun
軟體授權
install software
verb + noun
安裝軟體
software engineer
noun + noun
軟體工程師
software package
noun + noun
軟體套件
run software
verb + noun
執行軟體
常見錯誤
What are common mistakes with "Software"?Which "Software" sentences look correct but are wrong?
×I need to buy three new softwares for my computer.
✓I need to buy three new software programs / applications for my computer.
"Software" is an uncountable noun in English. You cannot add "-s" to make it plural or use numbers directly before it. Use terms like "software programs," "software applications," "pieces of software," or "types of software" when referring to multiple items.
×He is designing a software to manage inventory.
✓He is designing software / a software program to manage inventory.
Since "software" is uncountable, you cannot use the indefinite article "a" or "an" directly before it. You can use "a" with a countable phrase like "a software program" or "a software application."
×The software of my laptop is broken; I think the screen is damaged.
✓The hardware of my laptop is broken; I think the screen is damaged.
Confusing "software" (the programs and operating information) with "hardware" (the physical parts of a computer). A damaged screen is a hardware problem, not a software problem.
×The new software are compatible with Windows.
✓The new software is compatible with Windows.
"Software" is a singular, uncountable noun. It requires a singular verb (is, runs, works, etc.), not a plural verb.
×This is my friend's software. He let me borrow it.
✓This is my friend's software. He let me borrow it. (Acceptable) OR This is my friend's software copy/license. He let me borrow it. (More precise)
While "my friend's software" is grammatically correct, it can be ambiguous. Does it mean the software he owns, the software he wrote, or his specific licensed copy? For clarity, especially regarding licenses, specify "software copy," "software license," or "software program."
×I wrote a small software to automate the task.
✓I wrote a small program / script / application to automate the task.
While "software" is a general, uncountable term, a single, specific product is often called a "program," "application (app)," "script," or "tool." Using "software" for a single, small utility sounds unnatural.
詞形變化
What are the word forms of "Software"?What are tense/participle forms of "Software"?