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March 24, 2026
监视(監視)jiānshì(jian1shi4)
监视 (jiānshì) means to closely monitor or oversee someone or something, often in a way that implies scrutiny or surveillance. This term is commonly used in contexts involving security, law enforcement, or supervision, where careful observation is required to ensure compliance or safety.
Frequency#1364DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, surveillance and monitoring can be tied to both security measures and social control, reflecting historical practices of governance. This character may evoke discussions about privacy and the balance between safety and personal freedom in contemporary China.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'monitor' on your desk (like a computer screen) that 'watches' everything you do. The characters 监 (jiān) looks like a person overseeing a structure, while 视 (shì) relates to sight or watching, helping you remember that it means to keep a close watch.
Meanings of 监视
jiānshì(jian1shi4)
1to monitor
2to oversee
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About 监视
监视Simplified
監視Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1364Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 监视
Podcast: 监视
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AI Study Notes for 监视
Quick Contrast
监控 (jiānkòng) refers to monitoring or controlling, often with a focus on technology or systems, while 监视 (jiānshì) implies a more personal or scrutinizing observation of individuals.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'monitor' on your desk (like a computer screen) that 'watches' everything you do. The characters 监 (jiān) looks like a person overseeing a structure, while 视 (shì) relates to sight or watching, helping you remember that it means to keep a close watch.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 监视 with similar terms like 观察 (guānchá), which means to observe without the implication of oversight. This word is generally used in formal contexts, such as legal or security discussions, and can carry a negative connotation if used in everyday conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 监视 connects well with other vocabulary related to observation and control, such as 监督 (jiāndū - to supervise) and 监控 (jiānkòng - to monitor/oversee). Students should focus on understanding the nuances in context and the different implications of monitoring versus observing.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, surveillance and monitoring can be tied to both security measures and social control, reflecting historical practices of governance. This character may evoke discussions about privacy and the balance between safety and personal freedom in contemporary China.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 监视 with 监督 (jiāndū), which means to supervise. For example, saying '我需要监督他' (wǒ xūyào jiāndū tā) instead of '我需要监视他' (wǒ xūyào jiānshì tā) can lead to misunderstandings about the nature of the observation.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 监视
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Grammar Patterns of 监视
监视 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
We stood on the dark headlands to watch them pass.
4
监视哨和测深员穿着饱鼓鼓的救生衣,跌跌撞撞地跟在他后面.
jiān shì shào hé cè shēn yuán chuān zháo bǎo gǔ gǔ de jiù shēng yī, , diē diē zhuàng zhuàng dì gēn zài tā hòu.
Lookouts and leadsmen in bulky life jackets stumbled and slipped after him.
5
他被派到这儿监视贝内迪克特。
tā bèi pài dào zhè ér jiān shì bèi nèi dí kè tè。
He had been sent here to keep an eye on Benedict.
6
他们举着棍子监视着他，好像要揍扁他的脑袋。
tā mén jǔ zháo gùn zǐ jiān shì zháo tā， ， hǎo xiàng yào zòu biǎn tā de nǎo。
They stood over him with clubs raised as if to beat his brains out.
7
等到这批科学家派人来监视他的时候, 他们也知道了.
děng dào zhè pī kē xué jiā pài rén lái jiān shì tā de shí hòu, , tā mén yě zhī dào.
And when the scientific men set a watch on the man, they knew too.
8
监视哨只是些无声的人影罢了.
jiān shì shào zhī shì xiē wú shēng de rén yǐng bà le.
The lookouts were silent shadows.
Cultural Notes for 监视
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, surveillance and monitoring can be tied to both security measures and social control, reflecting historical practices of governance. This character may evoke discussions about privacy and the balance between safety and personal freedom in contemporary China.
Frequently Asked Questions about 监视
监视 is commonly used in legal, security, and workplace settings where someone is being monitored for compliance or safety.
Typically, 监视 has a neutral to negative connotation, implying scrutiny rather than support, so it’s less likely to be used positively.
监视 implies a level of oversight or surveillance, while 观察 is more about watching or observing without that connotation.
