About
The character "监" derives from the early concept of using a water-filled vessel as a mirror for self-observation, evident in its traditional form "監" which structurally combines "臣", depicting a watchful eye, and "皿", representing a basin or container. This pictorial etymology grounded the character in the act of close examination, giving rise to primary meanings such as to oversee, inspect, or supervise. Over time, the meaning extended from the action of watching to denote the authority or place where such surveillance occurs, eventually acquiring the specific sense of a prison or jail, as seen in the term "监狱", while still contributing to words involving supervision like "监督". The simplified form "监" retains the fundamental idea but reduces the graphical complexity of its traditional counterpart.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这个监狱有高墙。
超市里有很多监控摄像头。
老师监督学生做作业。
父母是孩子的监护人。
医生监测病人的心跳。
考试时，老师必须监考。
他是公司的技术总监。
这部电影由著名导演监制。