The Chinese verb 监测 (jiāncè) is a sophisticated term that combines two essential concepts: jiān (监), meaning to supervise or oversee, and cè (测), meaning to measure or test. When you use this word, you aren't just 'looking' at something; you are performing a systematic, professional, and often technology-aided observation over a period of time. It implies a high level of accuracy and a specific objective, such as ensuring safety, gathering scientific data, or tracking progress. In English, we most often translate it as 'to monitor,' but it carries a weight of technical authority that makes it a staple in academic papers, news reports, and professional settings.
- Environmental Context
- In environmental science, 监测 is used to describe the tracking of air quality, water purity, or seismic activity. For example, '监测空气质量' (monitoring air quality) is a phrase you will see daily on weather apps in China.
- Medical and Health Context
- In a hospital or health setting, it refers to the continuous tracking of a patient's vital signs. '监测心率' (monitoring heart rate) suggests the use of medical equipment to provide real-time data to doctors.
- Technological and Digital Context
- Software engineers and data analysts use 监测 to describe the tracking of server performance, network traffic, or user behavior. It implies the use of dashboards and automated alerts.
科学家们正在密切监测这台机器的数据变化，以防发生意外故障。
— Scientists are closely monitoring the data changes of this machine to prevent unexpected failures.
The usage of 监测 has exploded in recent years due to the rise of big data and the Internet of Things (IoT). Whether it is a wearable smartwatch tracking your steps or a massive government project tracking climate change, 监测 is the verb of choice. It differs from simple 'watching' (看) because it requires tools—sensors, software, or specialized instruments—and it produces results that are usually recorded or analyzed. If you are preparing for the HSK 4 or 5, or an IELTS exam in Chinese, mastering this word is non-negotiable because it appears frequently in reading passages about technology and the environment.
我们需要实时监测森林火灾的风险，以保护生态系统。
— We need to monitor forest fire risks in real-time to protect the ecosystem.
- Economic Context
- Governments 监测 market prices to prevent inflation or price gouging. This is a formal administrative action.
Historically, 监测 was reserved for high-level scientific discourse. However, in the 21st century, it has moved into everyday life. You might 'monitor' your own sleep patterns using an app, or a company might 'monitor' its brand reputation online. This transition from 'macro' (state/science) to 'micro' (personal/business) makes it one of the most versatile verbs in modern Mandarin. It carries a connotation of precision and reliability. When a spokesperson says they are 'monitoring the situation,' they are signaling to the public that they are taking the matter seriously and using all available resources to gather facts.
通过卫星技术，我们可以精确地监测全球冰川的融化速度。
— Through satellite technology, we can accurately monitor the melting speed of global glaciers.
The grammar of 监测 is relatively straightforward as it functions as a standard transitive verb. However, because it is a formal word, it is often surrounded by specific types of adverbs and objects. Understanding these patterns will help you sound more like a native speaker and improve your performance in professional Chinese environments.
- Pattern 1: [Subject] + [Adverb] + 监测 + [Object]
- This is the most common structure. The subject is usually an organization, a scientist, or a piece of technology. The object is the thing being measured.
Example: 环保局正在监测这条河流的污染水平。 (The Environmental Protection Bureau is monitoring the pollution levels of this river.) - Pattern 2: [Tool/Method] + 用于 + 监测 + [Object]
- This describes the purpose of a tool. '用于' means 'is used for.'
Example: 这款传感器用于监测土壤的湿度。 (This sensor is used for monitoring soil moisture.)
为了确保手术安全，麻醉师会全程监测病人的生命体征。
— To ensure surgery safety, the anesthesiologist will monitor the patient's vital signs throughout the process.
One important nuance is that 监测 can also function as a noun in certain contexts, though it is primarily a verb. For instance, you can say '监测报告' (monitoring report) or '监测系统' (monitoring system). In these cases, it acts as a modifier for the noun that follows.
政府建立了全国性的网络，以监测食品价格的波动情况。
— The government established a national network to monitor the fluctuations in food prices.
When writing academic essays, you can use the passive voice with 监测 by using '被' (bèi). For example: '这些指标被定期监测' (These indicators are regularly monitored). This adds a level of objectivity and formality to your writing, which is highly valued in Chinese academic standards. Furthermore, the word is often found in the 'Resultative' structure, though less commonly than simple verbs. You might see '监测到' (jiāncè dào), which means 'to have successfully detected/monitored' something, emphasizing the result of the monitoring action.
- Common Adverbs
- 持续 (chíxù): Continuously monitor.
远程 (yuǎnchéng): Remotely monitor.
自动 (zìdòng): Automatically monitor.
Lastly, consider the length of the monitoring. Because 监测 implies a process, it is often paired with time-related phrases like '24小时' (24 hours), '长期' (long-term), or '定期' (regularly). This reinforces the idea that the action is not a one-off check but a consistent effort to track changes over time.
气象站利用雷达监测风暴的路径，并及时发布预警。
— The weather station uses radar to monitor the storm's path and issue timely warnings.
If you live in a Chinese-speaking environment, you will encounter 监测 in several specific domains. It is not a 'street slang' word, but it is a 'daily news' word. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word instantly when you hear it on the radio or see it on a public screen.
- The Evening News (新闻联播)
- News anchors frequently use 监测 when reporting on the economy or the environment. '根据最新的监测数据显示...' (According to the latest monitoring data...) is a very common opening phrase for reports on inflation, GDP growth, or pollution levels.
- Hospitals and Clinics
- If you are in a hospital, you will see signs for '心电监测' (ECG monitoring) or hear nurses talking about '监测体温' (monitoring temperature). It sounds professional and reassuring to the patient.
在这个智能城市项目中，成千上万个传感器正在监测交通流量。
— In this smart city project, thousands of sensors are monitoring traffic flow.
In the corporate world, especially in tech hubs like Shenzhen or Beijing, you will hear this word in meetings. Project managers might ask, '我们如何监测用户的活跃度？' (How are we monitoring user activity?). Here, it refers to the use of analytics tools like Google Analytics or internal dashboards. It is also common in the manufacturing sector, where '质量监测' (quality monitoring) is a critical part of the production line to ensure that every product meets the required standards.
Public service announcements also use this word. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the phrase '健康监测' (health monitoring) became a household term, referring to the practice of checking one's temperature and reporting symptoms daily. Even outside of emergencies, you might see signs in public parks about '噪音监测' (noise monitoring) to ensure that the environment remains peaceful for residents. This shows how the word has permeated into the public consciousness as a symbol of scientific management and social order.
该系统能够自动监测电力网的运行状态，防止大规模停电。
— The system can automatically monitor the operating status of the power grid to prevent large-scale blackouts.
- Educational Context
- In schools, '学业监测' (academic monitoring) refers to the large-scale assessment of student performance across a district or province, rather than a single teacher checking a single student's homework.
Finally, in the context of international relations and global issues, you will hear it used by organizations like the UN or WHO. They '监测' global health trends, carbon emissions, and human rights. This usage highlights the word's status as a 'high-level' vocabulary item that bridges the gap between science and policy. If you can use this word correctly in a conversation about global issues, you will immediately demonstrate a high level of linguistic competence.
Learning 监测 involves distinguishing it from several other words that mean 'to look at,' 'to check,' or 'to supervise.' Because English often uses the single word 'monitor' for all these situations, English speakers are particularly prone to making these errors. Let's break down the most common pitfalls.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 监测 with 检查 (jiǎnchá)
- 检查 means 'to check' or 'to inspect.' It is usually a one-time action. You 'check' your homework or 'inspect' a car. 监测 is a continuous, systematic process. You wouldn't say '监测我的作业' (monitor my homework) unless you had a scientific sensor tracking your writing speed for research.
- Mistake 2: Confusing 监测 with 监控 (jiānkòng)
- This is the most common error. 监控 (monitor and control) usually implies surveillance or security. If you are using a security camera to watch a thief, that is 监控. If you are using a sensor to measure the temperature of a room, that is 监测. 监控 has a connotation of 'control' (控), whereas 监测 is about 'measurement' (测).
Incorrect: 警察正在监测那个小偷。
Police monitor (surveil) the thief.
Correct: 警察正在监控那个小偷。
Another mistake is using 监测 for interpersonal relationships. In English, you might say 'I am monitoring my friend's progress.' In Chinese, using 监测 here would sound very cold and robotic, as if you are treating your friend like a laboratory specimen. Instead, use 关注 (guānzhù - pay attention to) or 留意 (liúyì - keep an eye on).
Furthermore, learners often forget that 监测 is a formal word. Using it in a very casual setting can make you sound overly academic. For example, if you are just looking at the weather outside to see if it's raining, don't say '我在监测天气' (I am monitoring the weather). Just say '我在看天气' (I am looking at the weather). Reserve 监测 for when you are actually looking at a barometer, satellite map, or professional data feed.
Incorrect: 我在监测我的猫有没有吃饭。
I am observing (not monitoring scientifically) if my cat is eating.
Correct: 我在观察我的猫有没有吃饭。
- Confusion with 监督 (jiāndū)
- 监督 is about authority and compliance. A boss 监督 employees to make sure they work. A government 监督 companies to make sure they follow laws. There is no 'measurement' necessarily involved, just oversight.
Lastly, be careful with the word order. Because 监测 is a verb, it must have an object. You cannot just say '我们在监测' (We are monitoring) without specifying what is being monitored, unless the context is incredibly clear. In Chinese, it is much more common to specify the object: '我们在进行监测工作' (We are carrying out monitoring work).
To truly master 监测, you need to know its 'neighbor' words. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for different types of observation, and choosing the right one will make your speech precise and professional. Here is a comparison of 监测 with its most common alternatives.
- 监测 (jiāncè) vs. 监控 (jiānkòng)
- 监测: Focuses on measurement (测) and data gathering. Used for environment, health, and science. (e.g., 监测水位 - monitoring water level).
监控: Focuses on control (控) and surveillance. Used for security, traffic cameras, and supervising behavior. (e.g., 监控录像 - surveillance footage). - 监测 (jiāncè) vs. 观测 (guāncè)
- 监测: Usually implies a warning or safety purpose. It is often continuous and automated.
观测: Used specifically for scientific observation of natural phenomena, like stars (astronomy) or weather patterns, where the observer is often more passive. (e.g., 观测星象 - observing the stars).
虽然这两个词都涉及‘看’，但监测更侧重于数据的持续收集和分析。
— Although both words involve 'watching,' 监测 emphasizes continuous data collection and analysis.
If you are looking for a more general word, you might use 观察 (guānchá). This means 'to observe' in a general sense—using your eyes and mind to understand something. It can be used for people, animals, or social situations. Unlike 监测, it doesn't require sensors or data points. For example, a student might 观察 an ant colony for a biology project, but a scientist would 监测 the chemical changes in the soil around the ants.
Another related word is 检测 (jiǎncè). Notice the difference: jiǎn (检) vs jiān (监). 检测 means 'to test and detect.' It is usually a specific test done at a specific time, like a 'nucleic acid test' (核酸检测) or testing a sample for toxins. 监测 is the ongoing act of watching those levels over time. You might perform a 检测 (test) as part of your overall 监测 (monitoring) program.
我们需要先进行一次水质检测，然后建立长期的监测系统。
— We need to perform a water quality test first, then establish a long-term monitoring system.
In summary, choose 监测 when you want to sound professional, data-oriented, and focused on long-term safety or tracking. It is the 'gold standard' word for describing the high-tech, data-driven observation that defines our modern world.
Examples by Level
医生在监测我的心。 (Yīshēng zài jiāncè wǒ de xīn.)
The doctor is monitoring my heart.
Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.
他在监测天气。 (Tā zài jiāncè tiānqì.)
He is monitoring the weather.
Present continuous with '在'.
这台机器可以监测体温。 (Zhè tái jīqì kěyǐ jiāncè tǐwēn.)
This machine can monitor body temperature.
Using '可以' for capability.
我们要监测水。 (Wǒmen yào jiāncè shuǐ.)
We need to monitor the water.
Using '要' for necessity.
手机在监测我的步数。 (Shǒujī zài jiāncè wǒ de bùshù.)
The phone is monitoring my steps.
Non-human subject performing the action.
监测很重要。 (Jiāncè hěn zhòngyào.)
Monitoring is very important.
Using '监测' as a noun/gerund.
他在监测那个数据。 (Tā zài jiāncè nàge shùjù.)
He is monitoring that data.
Specifying the object with '那个'.
老师监测我们的考试。 (Lǎoshī jiāncè wǒmen de kǎoshì.)
The teacher monitors our exam.
Basic transitive verb use.
我们需要每天监测空气质量。 (Wǒmen xūyào měitiān jiāncè kōngqì zhìliàng.)
We need to monitor the air quality every day.
Using '需要' and time frequency '每天'.
护士正在监测病人的血压。 (Hùshi zhèngzài jiāncè bìngrén de xuèyā.)
The nurse is monitoring the patient's blood pressure.
Using '正在' for an ongoing action.
这台电脑负责监测服务器。 (Zhè tái diànnǎo fùzé jiāncè fúwùqì.)
This computer is responsible for monitoring the server.
Using '负责' (be responsible for).
政府开始监测食品价格。 (Zhèngfǔ kāishǐ jiāncè shípǐn jiàgé.)
The government started monitoring food prices.
Using '开始' to indicate the start of an action.
你可以用这个软件监测睡眠。 (Nǐ kěyǐ yòng zhège ruǎnjiàn jiāncè shuìmián.)
You can use this software to monitor sleep.
Using '用...监测' (use... to monitor).
监测系统发现了问题。 (Jiāncè xìtǒng fāxiànle wèntí.)
The monitoring system found a problem.
Using '监测' as a modifier for '系统'.
他们正在监测森林的变化。 (Tāmen zhèngzài jiāncè sēnlín de biànhuà.)
They are monitoring the changes in the forest.
Focusing on the '变化' (change) of the object.
我们需要长期监测这个项目。 (Wǒmen xūyào chángqī jiāncè zhège xiàngmù.)
We need to monitor this project for a long time.
Using '长期' (long-term) as an adverb.
环保部门密切监测工厂的排污情况。 (Huánbǎo bùmén mìqiè jiāncè gōngchǎng de páiwū qíngkuàng.)
The environmental department closely monitors the factory's waste discharge.
Use of the adverb '密切' (closely).
这款手表能实时监测你的心率和血氧。 (Zhè kuǎn shǒubiǎo néng shíshí jiāncè nǐ de xīnlǜ hé xuèyǎng.)
This watch can monitor your heart rate and blood oxygen in real-time.
Use of '实时' (real-time) as an adverb.
科学家们利用卫星监测全球气候变暖。 (Kēxuéjiāmen lìyòng wèixīng jiāncè quánqiú qìhòu biànnuǎn.)
Scientists use satellites to monitor global warming.
Structure: '利用...监测' (Utilize... to monitor).
该系统旨在监测网络攻击并保护数据。 (Gāi xìtǒng zhǐzài jiāncè wǎngluò gōngjī bìng bǎohù shùjù.)
The system aims to monitor cyber attacks and protect data.
Use of '旨在' (aims to).
医生建议对病人的状况进行24小时监测。 (Yīshēng jiànyì duì bìngrén de zhuàngkuàng jìnxíng èrshísì xiǎoshí jiāncè.)
The doctor suggested 24-hour monitoring of the patient's condition.
Using '进行...监测' as a formal noun phrase.
为了预防地震，专家们一直在监测地壳活动。 (Wèile yùfáng dìzhèn, zhuānjiāmen yìzhí zài jiāncè dìqiào huódòng.)
To prevent earthquakes, experts have been monitoring crustal activity.
Use of '一直在' for continuous action over time.
市场监管机构正在监测电商平台的交易。 (Shìchǎng jiānguǎn jīgòu zhèngzài jiāncè diànshāng píngtái de jiāoyì.)
Market regulators are monitoring transactions on e-commerce platforms.
Formal subject '监管机构' (regulatory body).
通过监测用户反馈，我们可以改进产品。 (Tōngguò jiāncè yònghù fǎnkuì, wǒmen kěyǐ gǎijìn chǎnpǐn.)
By monitoring user feedback, we can improve the product.
Using '通过' (through/by) to indicate a method.
建立完善的监测体系对环境保护至关重要。 (Jiànlì wánshàn de jiāncè tǐxì duì huánjìng bǎohù zhìguān zhòngyào.)
Establishing a complete monitoring system is vital for environmental protection.
Using '监测' as a modifier for '体系' (system).
该项研究对该地区的生物多样性进行了长期监测。 (Gāi xiàng yánjiū duì gāi dìqū de shēngwù duōyàngxìng jìnxíngle chángqī jiāncè.)
This study conducted long-term monitoring of the region's biodiversity.
Standard academic '对...进行' structure.
这些传感器能够自动监测并记录土壤湿度。 (Zhèxiē chuángǎnqì nénggòu zìdòng jiāncè bìng jìlù tǔrǎng shīdù.)
These sensors can automatically monitor and record soil moisture.
Compound verb '监测并记录' (monitor and record).
由于缺乏有效的监测手段，疫情迅速蔓延。 (Yóuyú quēfá yǒuxiào de jiāncè shǒuduàn, yìqíng xùnsù mànyán.)
Due to the lack of effective monitoring means, the epidemic spread rapidly.
Using '监测' as a modifier for '手段' (means/methods).
财务部门正在监测各项开支，以控制成本。 (Cáiwù bùmén zhèngzài jiāncè gèxiàng kāizhī, yǐ kòngzhì chéngběn.)
The finance department is monitoring various expenditures to control costs.
Abstract object '开支' (expenditure).
实时监测数据表明，该地区的污染水平已超标。 (Shíshí jiāncè shùjù biǎomíng, gāi dìqū de pūǎn shuǐpíng yǐ chāobiāo.)
Real-time monitoring data indicates that pollution levels in the area have exceeded standards.
Using '监测' to modify '数据' (data).
该软件可以监测电脑的运行速度和温度。 (Gāi ruǎnjiàn kěyǐ jiāncè diànnǎo de yùnxíng sùdù hé wēndù.)
The software can monitor the computer's operating speed and temperature.
Technical context.
专家呼吁加强对网络舆情的监测和引导。 (Zhuānjiā hūyù jiāqiáng duì wǎngluò yúqíng de jiāncè hé yǐndǎo.)
Experts call for strengthening the monitoring and guidance of online public opinion.
Noun use: '对...的监测' (the monitoring of...).
该机构负责对跨境资本流动进行动态监测。 (Gāi jīgòu fùzé duì kuàjìng zīběn liúdòng jìnxíng dòngtài jiāncè.)
The institution is responsible for dynamic monitoring of cross-border capital flows.
Use of the technical term '动态监测' (dynamic monitoring).
为了应对气候变化，各国必须建立联合监测机制。 (Wèile yìngduì qìhòu biànnuǎn, gèguó bìxū jiànlì liánhé jiāncè jīzhì.)
To cope with climate change, countries must establish a joint monitoring mechanism.
Use of '联合监测机制' (joint monitoring mechanism).
该系统的核心功能是实时监测并预警潜在风险。 (Gāi xìtǒng de héxīn gōngnéng shì shíshí jiāncè bìng yùjǐng qiánzài fēngxiǎn.)
The core function of the system is to monitor in real-time and warn of potential risks.
Pairing '监测' with '预警' (early warning).
通过高精度监测，我们能够更准确地预测自然灾害。 (Tōngguò gāojīngdù jiāncè, wǒmen nénggòu gèng zhǔnquè de yùcè zìrán zāihài.)
Through high-precision monitoring, we are able to predict natural disasters more accurately.
Use of '高精度' (high-precision) as an adjective.
监测结果显示，该政策对经济增长具有显著的推动作用。 (Jiāncè jiéguǒ xiǎnshì, gāi zhèngcè duì jīngjì zēngzhǎng jùyǒu xiǎnzhù de tuīdòng zuòyòng.)
Monitoring results show that the policy has a significant promoting effect on economic growth.
Subject is '监测结果' (monitoring results).
在数字化时代，个人隐私的边界在各种监测下变得模糊。 (Zài shùzìhuà shídài, gèrén yǐnsī de biānjiè zài gèzhǒng jiāncè xià biànde móhu.)
In the digital age, the boundaries of personal privacy become blurred under various forms of monitoring.
Abstract social context.
该项目涉及对极地冰川融化情况的长期卫星监测。 (Gāi xiàngmù shèjí duì jídì bīngchuān rónghuà qíngkuàng de chángqī wèixīng jiāncè.)
The project involves long-term satellite monitoring of polar glacier melting.
Complex noun phrase with multiple modifiers.
政府加强了对市场垄断行为的监测力度。 (Zhèngfǔ jiāqiángle duì shìchǎng lǒngduàn xíngwéi de jiāncè lìdù.)
The government has strengthened the intensity of monitoring market monopoly behaviors.
Use of '监测力度' (intensity/strength of monitoring).
构建全方位、多维度的生态监测网络是当前的首要任务。 (Gòujiàn quánfāngwèi, duōwéidù de shēngwù jiāncè wǎngluò shì dāngqián de shǒuyào rènwù.)
Constructing an all-around, multi-dimensional ecological monitoring network is the primary task at present.
Sophisticated adjectives: '全方位' (all-around), '多维度' (multi-dimensional).
监测不仅是数据的收集，更是对事物发展规律的深度洞察。 (Jiāncè bùjǐn shì shùjù de shōují, gèng shì duì shìwù fāzhǎn guīlǜ de shēndù dòngchá.)
Monitoring is not just the collection of data, but also a deep insight into the laws of development of things.
Philosophical '不仅是...更是' structure.
通过对社会舆论的持续监测，我们可以防范潜在的群体性事件。 (Tōngguò duì shèhuì yúlùn de chíxù jiāncè, wǒmen kěyǐ fángfàn qiánzài de qúntǐxìng shìjiàn.)
Through continuous monitoring of social public opinion, we can prevent potential mass incidents.
High-level political/social vocabulary: '群体性事件' (mass incidents).
该研究利用大数据分析，实现了对流行病传播趋势的精准监测。 (Gāi yánjiū lìyòng dàshùjù fēnxī, shíxiànle duì liúxíngbìng chuánbō qūshì de jīngzhǔn jiāncè.)
This study utilized big data analysis to achieve precise monitoring of epidemic transmission trends.
Verb '实现' (achieve) + '精准监测' (precise monitoring).
Example
这个设备可以实时监测空气质量。
Related Content
More science words
吸收
A1To absorb; to take in.
海拔
B1The height of an object or place above sea level.
属性
B1A quality or feature that is typical of or belongs to something or someone.
生物
B1Any living thing, or the study of living organisms. Basic term for IELTS biology-related reading passages.
模糊
A1Blurry; vague; indistinct.
呼吸
A1To breathe; respiration.
燃烧
A1To burn; combustion.
计算
A1To calculate; to compute; to determine a value mathematically.
推算
B1To calculate, estimate, or figure out something using data, logic, or mathematical methods. It implies a process of reasoning from known facts to unknown values.
校准
B1To calibrate, adjust, or check for accuracy against a standard. It is used for instruments, data, or plans.
