About
The traditional character 監 (jiān), now simplified as 监, is built upon the semantic radical 皿 (mǐn), which denotes a shallow container. Its earliest form depicted a person gazing downward into a water-filled basin to see their reflection, much like a primitive mirror. From this act of careful observation arose the core meanings of supervising, monitoring, and overseeing. This sense of strict control later extended to denote a prison or jail, a place of constant confinement and supervision.
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。