encode

/ɪnˈkəʊd/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈkəʊd/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈkōd en-/ (ame, mw)

encode — 動詞

  • encodepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • encodeshe / she / it
  • encodedpast simple
  • encoding-ing form

1. to change information, a message, or a piece of data into a special code or syst

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

編碼

將訊息轉換成密碼或簡化形式

to change information, a message, or a piece of data into a special code or system, especially to keep it secret or to make it shorter and simpler

例句

The spy encoded the message before sending it to headquarters.

間諜在將訊息發送到總部之前先將它編碼。

Scientists often encode complex data into simple charts for the public.

科學家經常把複雜的資料編碼成簡單的圖表供大眾參考。

encode + into + simplified output

同義詞
  • encrypt

    specifically for secrecy; stronger implication of hiding content

  • code

    informal; can be a direct synonym for 'put into code'

反義詞
  • decode

    the reverse operation — to convert from code back to original form

文法句型

encode + object + into/as + format

用法筆記

Distinguish from 'encrypt' — encoding may or may not involve secrecy (you can encode data into a simpler format), whereas encrypting always aims to hide information. The opposite operation is 'decode.'

常見錯誤

❌The detective tried to encode the secret message' (when meaning decipher).
✅The detective tried to decode the secret message.
💡'encode' means to put into code, not to read it.

2. to convert information into a digital form that a computer can read, store, or p

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

數位編碼

將資料轉換為電腦可讀取的格式

to convert information into a digital form that a computer can read, store, or process

例句

The program encodes the image into a format the website can display.

這個程式把圖片數位編碼成網站能夠顯示的格式。

For the video to play on older devices, it must be encoded in MP4 format.

為了讓影片能在較舊的裝置上播放，必須以 MP4 格式進行數位編碼。

passive: be encoded in [format]

同義詞
  • convert

    broader and less technical; used in everyday computing contexts

  • digitize

    specifically to turn into digital form; more common when starting from analogue

反義詞
  • decode

    the reverse operation — to convert from digital code back to original form

文法句型

encode + object + in/into + format

be encoded in + format

用法筆記

Frequently appears in the passive voice (be encoded). In casual conversation, 'convert' or 'save as' is more natural. The opposite operation is 'decode.' The object is typically a digital file or data stream.

常見錯誤

❌I encoded the photo to JPG format on my phone' (too technical for everyday speech).
✅I converted the photo to JPG format on my phone.
💡In casual contexts, 'convert' or 'save as' is more natural than 'encode.'

3. to express an idea or feeling by choosing the right words or grammatical pattern

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

確切表達

正確使用外語詞彙傳達意思

to express an idea or feeling by choosing the right words or grammatical patterns, especially in a language you are still learning

例句

Even advanced learners sometimes struggle to encode certain ideas correctly in English.

即使是高階學習者，有時也很難用英文確切表達某些想法。

encode + idea + in + language

Ritu practiced how to encode the polite form of the request in Japanese.

Ritu 練習如何用日語正確表達請求的禮貌形式。

同義詞
  • express

    general and neutral; the most common alternative

  • formulate

    more formal; implies careful choice of words

文法句型

encode + object + in + language

用法筆記

This is a technical use in language-learning and linguistics contexts. In everyday conversation, learners would more naturally use 'express' or 'put into words.' Common in formal or academic writing about second-language acquisition.

常見錯誤

❌I encoded my feelings in English' (in a general conversation context).
✅I expressed my feelings in English.
💡In casual speech, 'express' is preferred; 'encode' sounds overly technical.

4. (in biology) to contain the genetic instructions that determine the production o

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

基因編碼

基因攜帶製造特定蛋白質的指令

(in biology) to contain the genetic instructions that determine the production of a specific protein or biological function in a living organism

例句

This section of DNA encodes the protein that helps build muscle tissue.

這一段 DNA 負責對有助於建造肌肉組織的蛋白質進行編碼。

The gene that encodes insulin was identified decades ago by researchers.

科學家在數十年前就找到了編碼胰島素的基因。

passive: gene encodes [protein]

文法句型

gene/DNA + encode + protein

用法筆記

Technical term in genetics. The subject is always a gene, a section of DNA, or a chromosome. The object is always a protein or enzyme — never a visible trait or characteristic of an organism.

常見錯誤

❌The gene encodes blue eyes.
✅The gene encodes a protein involved in eye colour.
💡Genes encode proteins, not traits directly.