Chinese Character: 监
1. Character Basics
Radical: 皿/mǐn radical (container, dish)
Stroke Count: 10
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jiān, jiàn
Pronunciation Note: Can be pronounced with a high and level tone (first tone) as "jiān" or a falling-rising tone (fourth tone) as "jiàn".
3. Meaning
monitor, supervise, inspect, prison, jail, surveillance, check, control
4. Common Words
- 监督 (jiāndū) - supervise, monitor - To watch over and check
- 监控 (jiānkòng) - monitor and control - To observe and manage
- 监狱 (jiānyù) - prison, jail - A place where criminals are imprisoned
- 监视 (jiānshì) - monitor, surveillance - To keep watch over
- 监考 (jiānkǎo) - invigilate, proctor - To supervise an examination
- 监管 (jiānguǎn) - supervision and management - To oversee and manage
5. Grammar & Usage
1. As a verb: "监" is commonly used as a verb meaning to monitor or supervise, as in "监督" (supervise).
2. As a noun: It can function as a noun meaning prison or jail, as in "监狱" (prison).
3. In compounds: It is often found in compound words related to monitoring, supervision, or control.
4. In formal contexts: It is widely used in legal, governmental, and organizational contexts to describe oversight functions.
6. Cultural Background
The character "监" has deep cultural significance in Chinese society, particularly in the context of governance and social order. Historically, the concept of supervision and oversight has been fundamental to Chinese administrative systems, with various institutions established to ensure accountability. In modern times, the character is central to discussions about governance, legal systems, and social control. The traditional Chinese legal system placed great emphasis on supervision, and this legacy continues in contemporary institutions. The character also appears in philosophical discussions about the balance between freedom and order.
7. Example Sentence
老师在教室里监考。
Pinyin: Lǎoshī zài jiàoshì lǐ jiānkǎo.
Translation: The teacher is invigilating in the classroom.
8. Memory Tips
The character "监" is composed of the radical "皿" (container, dish) and the component "臣" (minister, official). You can remember it by thinking of an official (臣) watching over a container (皿), which symbolizes the idea of supervision or monitoring. The character has 10 strokes, so practice writing it carefully to master the stroke order.