How to say "code" in Japanese

• コードJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounThe word for code in technical contexts, especially programming, where it can also mean a program itself. When you mean computer code, this is the word to reach for.
  Ｍａｃ ＯＳ Ｘといっても、Ｍａｃ ＯＳのコードをバージョンアップした訳わけではない。↗

  Although it's "Mac OS X", that doesn't mean that the Mac OS code itself has been upgraded to a new version.
• 暗号あんごうCommon
  nounCode in the sense of a secret system for disguising messages — a cipher. It also covers passwords, so choose it whenever secrecy or encryption is involved.
  スパイは情報じょうほうを暗号あんごうで送おくった。↗

  The spy sent information by code.
• 規約きやくJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounHere 'code' means a set of rules a group agrees to follow — a code of conduct or protocol. It suits agreements and regulations, not technical code.
  新あたらしい規約きやくは全会ぜんかい一致いっちで承認しょうにんされた。↗

  The new regulations were confirmed by the full committee.
• 符号ふごうJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounCode as a system of signs, marks or symbols rather than a program; it also means a simple sign or symbol on its own. For programming, コード is the word you want instead.
• 掟おきてCommon
  nounCode only in the sense of rules a group imposes on its members — law, regulation, rule. It is not the word for technical or secret codes.

Use 「コード」 for technical code such as programming, 暗号 for secret codes and ciphers, 規約 for a code of conduct or agreed rules, 符号 for codes made of signs or symbols, and 掟 for a group's internal rules.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• コードcode
• 暗号あんごうcode
• 規約きやくagreement
• 符号ふごうsign
• 掟おきてlaw
• 暗証あんしょうcode
• 略号りゃくごうcode
• コード体系コードたいけいcode
• 符号体系ふごうたいけいcode
• 守則しゅそくcode
• 符号化文字集合ふごうかもじしゅうごうcoded character set
• 符丁ふちょうsecret language