This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #2,000 most common 14 min read

监控

jiankong Top 2,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 监控 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 监控 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning their journey into the Chinese language. The word 监控 (jiān kòng) is generally considered too advanced and abstract for this stage. A1 learners focus on immediate survival vocabulary: greetings, numbers, basic food items, and simple verbs like 'to eat' (吃), 'to drink' (喝), or 'to look' (看). They might learn the word for television (电视) or computer (电脑), but the concept of 'monitoring' or 'surveillance' is not typically introduced. However, an A1 learner living in China or visiting a Chinese-speaking environment will almost certainly see the characters 监控 on signs in public places, such as subways, elevators, or convenience stores. While they may not know how to pronounce it or use it in a sentence, recognizing the visual pattern of these two characters as a warning sign for 'cameras present' can be a useful piece of passive cultural knowledge. If an A1 learner needs to express the idea of looking at something, they will simply use 看 (kàn). The nuanced difference between casually looking and systematically monitoring is a concept reserved for later stages of language acquisition. Teachers at this level should not burden students with this vocabulary word, but rather focus on building a strong foundation of basic nouns and verbs. If a student asks what the sign '监控区域' means, a simple translation of 'camera area' is sufficient without delving into the grammatical flexibility of the word as both a verb and a noun.

As learners progress to the A2 level, their vocabulary expands to include more aspects of daily life, routines, and immediate surroundings. While 监控 (jiān kòng) is still slightly above the core vocabulary list for A2, it begins to become relevant, particularly as a noun. An A2 learner might start to understand that 监控 refers to the security cameras they see everywhere. They might learn simple phrases like '这里有监控' (There are security cameras here) or '看监控' (Look at the camera footage). At this stage, the focus is on practical, concrete usage rather than abstract concepts. They understand that if they lose an item in a store, the word 监控 is the key to asking for help to find it via video footage. However, using 监控 as an active verb to describe monitoring data, health, or environmental factors remains too complex. A2 learners are still mastering basic sentence structures and might struggle with the formal tone that 监控 often carries when used as a verb. They might confuse it with simple verbs of seeing. Therefore, instruction at this level should focus on its noun form, helping students recognize it in spoken and written contexts related to public safety and security. Role-playing scenarios, such as reporting a lost bag to a security guard and asking to check the 监控, can be a highly effective and practical way to introduce this word without overwhelming the student with its broader, more abstract applications in technology or management.

At the B1 level, 监控 (jiān kòng) becomes a crucial and highly active part of a learner's vocabulary. This is the stage where learners transition from simple, concrete concepts to more abstract and professional language. B1 learners should be able to comfortably use 监控 as both a noun (security camera/system) and a verb (to monitor). They can construct sentences like '我们需要监控这个情况' (We need to monitor this situation) or '警察通过监控找到了小偷' (The police found the thief through surveillance). At this level, learners are introduced to the broader applications of the word beyond just physical security. They learn that it applies to monitoring internet usage, environmental pollution, and health metrics. They also begin to understand the collocations, pairing 监控 with words like 数据 (data), 质量 (quality), and 状态 (status). B1 learners should be able to distinguish 监控 from simpler verbs like 看 (to look) and begin to grasp the difference between 监控 and 监视 (to spy/surveil). In reading and listening exercises, they will encounter this word in news reports, technology articles, and workplace dialogues. Writing practice should involve using 监控 to describe processes or security measures. Mastering this word at the B1 level significantly enhances a learner's ability to discuss modern societal issues, technology, and basic management concepts, marking a clear step towards conversational fluency in professional and adult contexts.

Upon reaching the B2 level, learners are expected to have a solid and nuanced command of 监控 (jiān kòng). They not only use it correctly as both a verb and a noun but also understand its stylistic and register implications. B2 learners can engage in complex discussions about the ethical implications of 监控, such as the balance between public security and personal privacy. They can comfortably read news articles about government surveillance programs, corporate data tracking, or environmental monitoring systems, fully comprehending the context and vocabulary. At this stage, learners use advanced collocations and adverbial modifiers naturally, saying things like '实施全天候实时监控' (implement around-the-clock real-time monitoring) or '缺乏有效的监管和监控' (lack of effective supervision and monitoring). They are highly aware of the subtle differences between 监控, 监视, 监督, and 控制, and rarely make mistakes confusing them. In writing, they can use 监控 in formal reports, essays, or professional emails to describe tracking metrics, project progress, or quality assurance processes. Listening comprehension includes understanding fast-paced news broadcasts or technical presentations where 监控 is used rapidly and in compound forms like 监控录像 (surveillance footage) or 监控设备 (monitoring equipment). The word is no longer just a vocabulary item to be memorized; it is a functional tool used to articulate complex thoughts about the modern, data-driven world with precision and appropriate formality.

At the C1 level, the usage of 监控 (jiān kòng) is virtually indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. Learners at this stage utilize the word effortlessly across a wide spectrum of highly specialized and abstract contexts. They can read and analyze academic papers, legal documents, or advanced technical manuals where 监控 is a central concept. They understand the deep societal and cultural connotations of the word within the context of modern China, including its implications in discussions about the social credit system, cybersecurity laws, and pandemic management. C1 learners can use 监控 metaphorically or in highly complex grammatical structures, such as passive constructions with multiple modifiers: '该区域的生态环境变化正受到相关部门的严密监控' (The ecological environmental changes in this area are being strictly monitored by relevant departments). They are adept at using related idioms or formal phrasing that incorporate the concept of monitoring. In professional settings, a C1 speaker can lead a meeting discussing the architecture of a new IT monitoring system or negotiate the terms of a quality control monitoring agreement. Their vocabulary is rich enough that they can seamlessly switch between 监控 and its synonyms depending on the exact shade of meaning, tone, and register required by the specific audience and context, demonstrating complete mastery over the word's semantic field.

For a C2 learner, 监控 (jiān kòng) is a fully integrated component of their extensive linguistic repertoire. At this mastery level, the focus is not on learning the word, but on manipulating it with ultimate precision and rhetorical flair. C2 speakers can engage in profound philosophical, legal, or sociological debates regarding the nature of surveillance, the ethics of data collection, and the psychological impact of living in a heavily monitored society. They can critique literature or media that explores these themes, using 监控 alongside highly advanced vocabulary to articulate sophisticated arguments. They intuitively grasp the historical evolution of the term and how its usage has shifted with the advent of artificial intelligence and big data. In writing, a C2 user can craft compelling op-eds, comprehensive policy proposals, or intricate technical specifications where the concept of 监控 is central. They can play with the word, perhaps using it ironically or subversively in creative writing. Their understanding is so deep that they can correct native speakers on subtle misuses or ambiguities related to the word in highly formal or legal contexts. At the C2 level, 监控 is a lens through which the learner can analyze and discuss the complexities of contemporary governance, technology, and human behavior in the Chinese-speaking world, demonstrating a profound cultural and linguistic fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

监控 in 30 Seconds

Means 'to monitor' or 'surveillance camera'.
Used for tracking data, health, or security.
Can be a verb (monitor) or noun (camera).
Implies continuous observation and control.

The Chinese word 监控 (jiān kòng) is a highly versatile and frequently used verb, as well as a noun, in modern Mandarin. At its core, it means to monitor, to oversee, to keep under systematic review, or to control something through continuous observation. When we break down the characters, 监 (jiān) means to supervise, to inspect, or to keep watch over. You might recognize it from words like 监督 (jiān dū - to supervise) or 监狱 (jiān yù - prison). The second character, 控 (kòng), means to control, to manage, or to dominate, as seen in words like 控制 (kòng zhì - to control) or 遥控 (yáo kòng - remote control). Together, 监控 implies not just passively watching something, but actively observing it with the intent to manage, regulate, or intervene if necessary. This dual nature of observing and controlling is what distinguishes 监控 from merely looking at something. In contemporary society, this word is everywhere. It is used in the context of security cameras (监控摄像头), network monitoring in IT (网络监控), environmental tracking (环境监控), and medical observation (生命体征监控). Understanding this word is crucial for navigating modern Chinese life, as you will see signs for it in public spaces, hear it in news reports about data and privacy, and use it in professional settings where tracking progress or quality is required. The concept of 监控 extends beyond physical cameras; it applies to abstract concepts like monitoring financial markets, tracking the spread of a virus, or overseeing the progress of a large-scale construction project. When you use 监控 as a verb, you are expressing a sustained, systematic effort to gather data or visual information about a subject to ensure it remains within desired parameters or to detect anomalies. For language learners, mastering 监控 opens up the ability to discuss technology, security, management, and modern societal infrastructure.

Etymology: The combination of supervise (监) and control (控) reflects a modern administrative and technological necessity to not just see, but to manage.

我们需要监控这个系统的运行状态。(We need to monitor the operational status of this system.)

Furthermore, the usage of 监控 has evolved with technology. In the past, it might have referred more to human supervision, but today, it is intrinsically linked to digital systems, algorithms, and automated alerts. When a doctor monitors a patient's heart rate, they are using 监控. When a parent uses an app to track their child's internet usage, that is also 监控. The word carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, though in discussions about privacy, it can take on a negative connotation, similar to 'surveillance' in English. It is important to distinguish between the act of monitoring for safety or quality control versus monitoring that infringes on personal liberties, though the word itself remains the same.

Contextual Nuance: While often translated as 'monitor', in security contexts it heavily leans towards 'surveillance'.

医生正在监控病人的心跳。(The doctor is monitoring the patient's heartbeat.)

In summary, 监控 is a powerful vocabulary item that bridges the gap between basic observation and active management. It is a cornerstone word for anyone looking to achieve fluency in business, technology, or general modern conversational Chinese. By understanding its roots and its broad application across various fields, learners can confidently deploy this word in both spoken and written contexts, accurately conveying the idea of systematic review and control.

Collocation Note: Often paired with words like 数据 (data), 质量 (quality), and 状态 (status).

环保局负责监控空气质量。(The Environmental Protection Bureau is responsible for monitoring air quality.)

父母不应该过度监控孩子的生活。(Parents should not excessively monitor their children's lives.)

这台电脑被黑客监控了。(This computer has been monitored by hackers.)

Using 监控 (jiān kòng) correctly in Mandarin requires an understanding of its grammatical flexibility. It functions seamlessly as both a transitive verb and a noun, making it incredibly useful in a wide variety of sentence structures. As a verb, the most common structure is Subject + 监控 + Object. The subject is usually a person, an organization, or a system that has the authority or capability to observe. The object is the thing being observed, which is typically a process, a condition, data, or sometimes a person. For example, '工程师监控网络流量' (Engineers monitor network traffic). Notice how the object is a continuous flow of information. You can also use it in passive voice constructions using 被 (bèi). For instance, '这个区域被警方监控' (This area is monitored by the police). This passive structure is particularly common in news reports or official announcements regarding security and surveillance. Another frequent usage is with adverbs of time or manner to describe how the monitoring is taking place. '实时监控' (shí shí jiān kòng) means to monitor in real-time, which is a very common phrase in IT and security. '密切监控' (mì qiè jiān kòng) means to monitor closely, often used in medical or financial contexts where high attention is required.

Verb Usage: Directly followed by the object being observed, such as data, progress, or areas.

我们需要全天候监控服务器。(We need to monitor the servers around the clock.)

When functioning as a noun, 监控 often refers to the system of surveillance or the physical cameras themselves. You will frequently hear phrases like '安装监控' (ān zhuāng jiān kòng - to install security cameras) or '查看监控' (chá kàn jiān kòng - to check the surveillance footage). In these cases, the word has shifted from the abstract action of monitoring to the concrete tools used to perform that action. It is also common to see it as part of a compound noun, such as '监控系统' (jiān kòng xì tǒng - monitoring system) or '监控录像' (jiān kòng lù xiàng - surveillance video). Understanding this dual function is key to fluency. You might say, '为了监控(verb)小偷，我们在门口安装了监控(noun)' (In order to monitor for thieves, we installed a security camera at the door). This sentence perfectly illustrates the flexibility of the word.

Noun Usage: Refers to the equipment (cameras) or the overall system of surveillance.

警察正在查看路口的监控。(The police are checking the surveillance footage at the intersection.)

In formal writing, 监控 is often paired with specific verbs to create formal collocations. For example, '实施监控' (shí shī jiān kòng - to implement monitoring) or '加强监控' (jiā qiáng jiān kòng - to strengthen monitoring). These phrases elevate the register of your Chinese, making it suitable for business reports, academic papers, or official presentations. Conversely, in casual conversation, it is used quite simply. If you lose your wallet in a store, you might ask the manager, '这里有监控吗？' (Is there a security camera here?). The context usually makes it immediately clear whether you are using it as a verb or a noun. Practice creating sentences where 监控 takes different types of objects—abstract things like 'quality' (质量) and concrete things like 'the parking lot' (停车场)—to fully grasp its extensive range of application.

Adverbial Modification: Use adverbs like 实时 (real-time) or 密切 (closely) before the verb to add detail.

护士在密切监控他的血压。(The nurse is closely monitoring his blood pressure.)

公司对员工的电脑进行监控。(The company conducts monitoring on employees' computers.)

这个软件可以实时监控股市行情。(This software can monitor stock market trends in real-time.)

The word 监控 (jiān kòng) is ubiquitous in modern Chinese society, reflecting the highly digitized and managed nature of contemporary life. You will encounter this word in a vast array of contexts, ranging from everyday public spaces to highly specialized professional environments. One of the most common places you will hear and see this word is in relation to public security and urban management. In almost every city in China, you will see signs that read '监控区域' (Monitored Area) or '您已进入监控范围' (You have entered a surveillance zone). These signs are present in shopping malls, subway stations, parking lots, and residential complexes. If a traffic accident occurs, police officers will immediately ask to check the '道路监控' (road surveillance). In these daily scenarios, the word is primarily used as a noun referring to the physical cameras and the footage they record. It is a word that provides a sense of security for many, as it implies that the environment is being watched and managed for safety.

Public Spaces: Frequently seen on warning signs in stores, streets, and residential areas indicating cameras are present.

前方路口有违章监控。(There is a traffic violation monitoring camera at the intersection ahead.)

Beyond physical security, 监控 is a critical term in the IT and corporate sectors. In any technology company, system administrators and software engineers constantly talk about '监控系统' (monitoring systems) or '数据监控' (data monitoring). They use software to track website traffic, server health, and user behavior. If a website goes down, the IT team will rely on their 监控 tools to identify the problem. In business management, project managers use the term to describe the tracking of project milestones and budget expenditures. You might hear a manager say, '我们需要更好地监控项目进度' (We need to better monitor the project progress). In these professional contexts, the word emphasizes control, optimization, and the prevention of errors. It is a formal, necessary part of operational vocabulary.

Technology & IT: Used to describe the tracking of digital metrics, server health, and network security.

IT部门负责监控公司的网络安全。(The IT department is responsible for monitoring the company's network security.)

Another vital area where 监控 is frequently used is in healthcare and environmental science. In hospitals, patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are under constant '生命体征监控' (vital signs monitoring). Doctors and nurses rely on this continuous stream of data to make life-saving decisions. Similarly, environmental protection agencies use the term when discussing the tracking of air quality, water pollution levels, or weather patterns. News broadcasts often report that the government is '监控台风的动向' (monitoring the movement of the typhoon) or '监控空气质量指数' (monitoring the air quality index). In these scientific and medical contexts, the word implies precision, continuous observation, and the collection of critical data. Whether you are watching a news report, working in an office, or simply walking down the street, 监控 is a word that accurately describes the modern world's reliance on observation and data management.

Healthcare & Environment: Refers to the continuous tracking of patient health metrics or environmental data like pollution.

气象局正在监控台风的路径。(The meteorological bureau is monitoring the path of the typhoon.)

重症监护室的病人需要24小时监控。(Patients in the ICU require 24-hour monitoring.)

这家工厂的废水排放受到了严格监控。(The wastewater discharge of this factory is under strict monitoring.)

When learning the word 监控 (jiān kòng), students often make several predictable mistakes, primarily stemming from direct translations from English or confusion with similar Chinese verbs. One of the most frequent errors is using 监控 when they simply mean 'to watch' or 'to look at'. For example, a learner might say '我在监控电视' (I am monitoring the TV) when they mean '我在看电视' (I am watching TV). 监控 implies a systematic, often technological or official, process of observation for the purpose of control or data collection. It is not used for casual observation or entertainment. You monitor a security feed, a patient's heart rate, or network traffic, but you do not monitor a movie or a beautiful sunset. Understanding this distinction in intent and formality is crucial for avoiding awkward phrasing.

Mistake: Casual Watching: Using 监控 for everyday viewing activities like watching a game or a child playing in the park.

Incorrect: 我在监控一场足球比赛。 Correct: 我在看一场足球比赛。(I am watching a football match.)

Another common mistake is confusing 监控 with 监视 (jiān shì). While both involve observation, 监视 carries a much stronger connotation of spying, surveillance of a suspect, or hostile observation. Police might 监视 (keep under surveillance) a criminal suspect, implying secrecy and suspicion. 监控, on the other hand, is generally more neutral and often relates to systems, data, or public safety. For instance, a company will 监控 (monitor) its server performance, not 监视 it. If you say a company is 监视 its employees, it sounds like they are spying on them maliciously, whereas saying they are 监控 employee computer usage sounds more like a standard IT policy. Mixing these up can drastically change the tone of your sentence from professional to accusatory.

Mistake: Confusing with Spying: Using 监控 when you mean covert surveillance or spying (监视), or vice versa.

Better: 警察在监视嫌疑人。(The police are keeping the suspect under surveillance.) instead of 监控嫌疑人。

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the dual nature of 监控 as both a verb and a noun. They might try to add unnecessary words to make it a noun. For example, instead of simply saying '看监控' (look at the surveillance footage), they might say '看监控的录像' (look at the video of the monitoring). While grammatically acceptable, it is redundant and less natural. Native speakers frequently use 监控 as a standalone noun to mean the camera or the footage itself. Recognizing that '我的车被划了，我要去查监控' (My car was scratched, I need to go check the surveillance) is perfectly complete will help your Chinese sound much more authentic and fluent. Avoid overcomplicating the noun form.

Mistake: Redundancy: Adding extra nouns like 'machine' or 'video' when 监控 alone already means the camera or footage.

Natural: 店里有监控。(The store has security cameras.)

Unnatural: 店里有监控的机器。

Natural: 调取监控。(Retrieve the surveillance footage.)

To truly master 监控 (jiān kòng), it is essential to understand how it relates to and differs from other words in the Chinese vocabulary that share similar meanings of observation, control, or supervision. The most closely related word is 监视 (jiān shì). As mentioned previously, while 监控 is about monitoring systems, data, or public areas for management and safety, 监视 is about keeping a close, often covert, watch on a specific person or group, usually because they are suspected of wrongdoing. 监视 translates more closely to 'surveillance' in a spy or police context. For example, '警方监视着那栋建筑' (The police are keeping the building under surveillance). You would not use 监视 for checking server health; you would use 监控.

监控 vs. 监视: 监控 is for systems, data, and general safety. 监视 is for covertly watching suspects or enemies.

他觉得有人在监视他。(He feels like someone is spying on him.) vs. 系统在监控流量。(The system is monitoring traffic.)

Another similar word is 监督 (jiān dū), which means to supervise or to oversee. The key difference here lies in the human element and the focus on behavior or rules. 监督 is typically used when a person in authority is ensuring that others are doing their jobs correctly, following regulations, or behaving properly. For instance, '老师监督学生考试' (The teacher supervises the students during the exam) or '媒体有监督政府的责任' (The media has the responsibility to supervise the government). 监控 is much more likely to involve technology, machines, or automated data collection, whereas 监督 is a human-to-human or institutional oversight process. You 监督 a process to ensure compliance, but you 监控 a process to gather data on its performance.

监控 vs. 监督: 监督 implies human oversight to ensure rules are followed. 监控 implies technological or systematic data tracking.

父母应该监督孩子的作业。(Parents should supervise their children's homework.)

We must also consider 控制 (kòng zhì), which means to control. Since 监控 shares the character 控, learners sometimes confuse the two. 控制 is purely about exerting power or influence over something to make it behave in a certain way. '控制情绪' (control emotions) or '控制成本' (control costs). 监控 is the step before control; it is the observation required to know *how* to control. You monitor (监控) the temperature so that the thermostat can control (控制) the heating system. Finally, 观察 (guān chá) means to observe. This is a general, neutral word for looking carefully at something to study it, like a scientist observing cells under a microscope. It lacks the implication of management or control that 监控 possesses. By distinguishing 监控 from 监视, 监督, 控制, and 观察, you refine your vocabulary and ensure you are expressing exactly the nuance you intend in any given situation.

监控 vs. 控制: 监控 is gathering data (monitoring); 控制 is taking action based on that data (controlling).

我们需要先监控数据，然后才能控制风险。(We need to monitor the data first before we can control the risks.)

科学家在仔细观察这些昆虫。(Scientists are carefully observing these insects.)

这家商店安装了最新的监控设备。(This store installed the latest monitoring equipment.)

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Passive Voice with 被 (bèi)

Adverbial placement before verbs (e.g., 实时监控)

Noun modification with 的 (e.g., 监控的画面)

Resultative complements (e.g., 监控到)

Using 实施 for formal actions (实施监控)

Examples by Level

这里有监控。

There is a security camera here.

Noun usage. Very basic sentence structure: Place + 有 + Noun.

那是监控吗？

Is that a security camera?

Using 吗 for a simple yes/no question.

我看监控。

I look at the camera.

Basic Subject + Verb + Object structure.

监控坏了。

The camera is broken.

Using 坏了 to indicate something is broken.

大监控。

Big security camera.

Adjective + Noun.

买监控。

Buy a security camera.

Verb + Noun.

监控在哪里？

Where is the security camera?

Asking for location using 在哪里.

没有监控。

There is no security camera.

Using 没有 to indicate absence.

警察在看监控。

The police are looking at the surveillance footage.

Using 在 to indicate an ongoing action.

我们安装了新监控。

We installed a new security camera.

Using 了 to indicate completed action.

你能查一下监控吗？

Can you check the surveillance footage?

Using 一下 for a brief action.

电梯里有监控。

There is a security camera in the elevator.

Indicating location with 里.

监控录像很清楚。

The surveillance video is very clear.

Using 很 + adjective to describe the noun.

我不喜欢被监控。

I don't like being monitored.

Introduction of passive concept with 被, though simple.

监控室在一楼。

The monitoring room is on the first floor.

Compound noun 监控室.

请打开监控。

Please turn on the monitor/camera.

Using 打开 (to turn on).

我们需要实时监控这些数据。

We need to monitor these data in real-time.

Verb usage with adverb 实时 (real-time).

医生正在监控病人的心跳。

The doctor is monitoring the patient's heartbeat.

Verb usage with a specific medical object.

环保局负责监控空气质量。

The Environmental Protection Bureau is responsible for monitoring air quality.

Formal context, verb usage with abstract noun (quality).

这家超市的每个角落都在监控之下。

Every corner of this supermarket is under surveillance.

Using the phrase 在...之下 (under...).

通过监控，他们发现了问题的原因。

Through monitoring, they found the cause of the problem.

Using 通过 (through/by means of) with 监控 as a noun/process.

父母不应该过度监控孩子的生活。

Parents should not excessively monitor their children's lives.

Using adverb 过度 (excessively) before the verb.

这个软件可以帮助你监控网络流量。

This software can help you monitor network traffic.

IT context, verb usage.

由于缺乏监控，项目进度落后了。

Due to a lack of monitoring, the project progress has fallen behind.

Using 缺乏 (lack of) with 监控 as a noun.

为了确保安全，该区域实施了二十四小时无死角监控。

To ensure safety, 24-hour blind-spot-free monitoring has been implemented in this area.

Advanced vocabulary: 无死角 (no blind spots), 实施 (implement).

系统一旦监控到异常交易，就会自动报警。

Once the system monitors an abnormal transaction, it will automatically sound an alarm.

Using 一旦...就... (once... then...) with 监控 as a verb detecting an event.

在数字化时代，个人隐私与公共安全监控之间的平衡引发了广泛讨论。

In the digital age, the balance between personal privacy and public security monitoring has sparked widespread discussion.

Abstract noun usage in a complex sociological sentence.

管理层决定引入新的KPI体系，以更好地监控员工的工作效率。

Management decided to introduce a new KPI system to better monitor employees' work efficiency.

Business context, using 以 (in order to).

尽管受到了严密监控，病毒还是在社区内传播开来。

Despite being under strict monitoring, the virus still spread within the community.

Passive voice 受到...监控 with adverb 严密 (strict).

这款智能手表不仅能计步，还能全天候监控你的睡眠质量。

This smartwatch can not only count steps but also monitor your sleep quality around the clock.

Using 不仅...还... (not only... but also...) and 全天候 (around the clock).

未经允许私自安装监控设备是违法的行为。

Installing surveillance equipment privately without permission is an illegal act.

Legal context, using 未经允许 (without permission).

我们需要建立一个动态的监控机制来应对市场变化。

We need to establish a dynamic monitoring mechanism to respond to market changes.

Using 监控 as an adjective modifying 机制 (mechanism).

该国政府被指控利用先进的面部识别技术对持不同政见者进行大规模监控。

The government of that country has been accused of using advanced facial recognition technology to conduct mass surveillance on dissidents.

Highly formal, political context. 对...进行...监控 structure.

在金融风暴期间，央行必须对跨境资本流动实施更为审慎的宏观监控。

During the financial crisis, the central bank must implement more prudent macro-monitoring of cross-border capital flows.

Economic terminology: 跨境资本流动 (cross-border capital flows), 宏观 (macro).

物联网的普及使得对城市基础设施的预测性维护和实时状态监控成为可能。

The popularization of the Internet of Things has made predictive maintenance and real-time status monitoring of urban infrastructure possible.

Technical context: 物联网 (IoT), 预测性维护 (predictive maintenance).

学术界对于算法监控在零工经济中对劳动者权益的潜在侵害表达了深切的担忧。

Academia has expressed deep concern about the potential infringement of workers' rights by algorithmic monitoring in the gig economy.

Sociological context: 算法监控 (algorithmic monitoring), 零工经济 (gig economy).

为了规避监管，一些企业采用了极其隐蔽的数据传输方式，这给合规监控带来了巨大的挑战。

To evade regulation, some companies have adopted extremely covert data transmission methods, which poses a huge challenge to compliance monitoring.

Business/Legal context: 合规 (compliance), 规避监管 (evade regulation).

生态学家们部署了大量的传感器网络，以实现对该脆弱生态系统关键指标的长期、无干扰监控。

Ecologists have deployed extensive sensor networks to achieve long-term, non-intrusive monitoring of key indicators in this fragile ecosystem.

Scientific context: 传感器网络 (sensor networks), 无干扰 (non-intrusive).

这部反乌托邦小说深刻地描绘了一个全天候、全方位被老大哥监控的压抑社会。

This dystopian novel profoundly depicts an oppressive society that is monitored around the clock and in all directions by Big Brother.

Literary context: 反乌托邦 (dystopian), 全方位 (all-directional).

有效的舆情监控系统不仅能及时发现危机苗头，还能为后续的公关策略提供数据支撑。

An effective public opinion monitoring system can not only detect the signs of a crisis in time but also provide data support for subsequent PR strategies.

Media/PR context: 舆情 (public opinion), 危机苗头 (signs of crisis).

在探讨福柯的全景敞视主义时，我们不可避免地要审视现代社会中无处不在的微观监控权力。

When discussing Foucault's Panopticism, we inevitably have to examine the ubiquitous micro-monitoring power in modern society.

Philosophical context: 全景敞视主义 (Panopticism), 微观 (micro).

该法案的颁布旨在遏制科技巨头在缺乏透明度的情况下对用户行为数据的过度攫取与隐蔽监控。

The enactment of this bill aims to curb tech giants' excessive extraction and covert monitoring of user behavioral data in the absence of transparency.

Legal/Tech context: 遏制 (curb), 攫取 (extraction).

面对日益复杂的网络战威胁，建立一套具备自我学习和自适应防御能力的智能监控体系已刻不容缓。

Facing the increasingly complex threat of cyber warfare, establishing an intelligent monitoring system with self-learning and adaptive defense capabilities brooks no delay.

Cybersecurity context: 刻不容缓 (brooks no delay), 自适应 (adaptive).

流行病学监控的精髓在于从海量的、看似无序的公共卫生数据中剥离出具有预警价值的微弱信号。

The essence of epidemiological monitoring lies in extracting weak signals with early warning value from massive, seemingly chaotic public health data.

Medical/Scientific context: 流行病学 (epidemiological), 剥离 (extract/peel off).

这种基于绩效主义的职场监控文化，实质上是对员工主体性的异化和对劳动过程的深度规训。

This workplace monitoring culture based on meritocracy is essentially an alienation of employee subjectivity and a deep discipline of the labor process.

Sociological/Marxist context: 异化 (alienation), 规训 (discipline).

金融监管机构必须穿透复杂的金融衍生品嵌套，实施穿透式监控，以防范系统性金融风险的系统性爆发。

Financial regulatory agencies must penetrate the complex nesting of financial derivatives and implement look-through monitoring to prevent the systemic outbreak of systemic financial risks.

Advanced Financial context: 穿透式 (look-through/penetrating), 嵌套 (nesting).

在太空探索领域，对深空探测器传回的微弱遥测信号进行高精度的实时监控，是确保任务成功的生命线。

In the field of space exploration, high-precision real-time monitoring of the weak telemetry signals sent back by deep space probes is the lifeline to ensure mission success.

Aerospace context: 遥测信号 (telemetry signals), 深空探测器 (deep space probe).

艺术家的这组装置作品，通过将监控摄像头反向对准观众，巧妙地解构了观看与被观看的权力不对等关系。

Through pointing surveillance cameras back at the audience, the artist's installation cleverly deconstructs the unequal power relationship between watching and being watched.

Art criticism context: 解构 (deconstruct), 装置作品 (installation artwork).

Synonyms

监测监视管控视察观察

Antonyms

放任忽略

Common Collocations

实时监控

监控系统

监控录像

安装监控

监控数据

监控摄像头

密切监控

网络监控

环境监控

监控设备

Common Phrases

调取监控

查看监控

在监控下

全天候监控

无死角监控

实施监控

加强监控

受到监控

监控画面

监控中心

Often Confused With

监控 vs 监视 (surveillance/spy)

监控 vs 监督 (supervise/oversee)

监控 vs 控制 (control)

Idioms & Expressions

"明察秋毫"

"防微杜渐"

"居安思危"

"未雨绸缪"

"防患未然"

"严阵以待"

"滴水不漏"

"天罗地网"

"了如指掌"

"洞若观火"

Easily Confused

监控 vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

time period

Highly modern, usage spiked post-2000s with digital tech.

regional differences

Universally understood across Mandarin-speaking regions. In Taiwan, 監視器 (jiān shì qì) is more commonly used for 'security camera' than 监控.

Common Mistakes

Using 监控 to mean watching a movie or TV show.
Confusing 监控 (monitor) with 监视 (spy/surveil).
Adding unnecessary words to make it a noun (e.g., 监控的机器 instead of just 监控).
Using it to describe observing nature casually (should use 观察).
Mispronouncing the tones, especially making the second character a flat tone instead of a falling tone.

Tips

Verb vs. Noun

Always remember that 监控 can be both the action of monitoring and the camera itself. Context will tell you which one it is. If it follows '安装' (install), it's a noun. If it precedes '数据' (data), it's a verb.

Collocation is Key

Memorize 监控 as part of chunks. Learn '实时监控' (real-time monitoring) and '监控系统' (monitoring system) as single vocabulary items to increase your fluency.

Casual Usage

Don't overcomplicate your sentences when asking about cameras. '这里有监控吗？' (Is there a camera here?) is perfectly natural and all you need to say.

News Broadcasts

When listening to the news, 监控 is often a keyword indicating a report about security, the environment, or the economy. Listen for the noun that follows it to understand the topic.

Formal Writing

In business emails or reports, use the structure '对...进行监控' (conduct monitoring on...) to sound more professional than just using 监控 as a simple verb.

Public Signs

Pay attention to signs in China. Recognizing the characters 监控 will help you understand where you are being recorded, which is a common aspect of urban life there.

Avoid 'Watching'

Never use 监控 when you mean casually watching a person, a game, or a show. Stick to 看 (kàn) or 观看 (guān kàn) for those situations.

Monitoring vs. Measuring

Use 监测 (jiān cè) when the focus is purely on measuring data (like pollution levels). Use 监控 when there is an element of control or management involved based on that data.

Tone Practice

Practice the transition from the high flat 1st tone (jiān) to the sharp falling 4th tone (kòng). A clear 4th tone makes you sound much more confident.

Workplace Vocabulary

If you work in IT or management, 监控 is a must-know word. Use it to describe tracking project milestones, server health, or employee performance metrics.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a JANitor (jiān) who has a remote CONTROL (kòng) to MONITOR all the security cameras in the building.

Word Origin

A modern compound word. 监 originally depicted a person looking down into a vessel of water to see their reflection, evolving to mean 'inspect' or 'supervise'. 控 means to control. Combined in modern times to describe technological and systematic oversight.

Cultural Context

None, though discussing government surveillance can be sensitive in certain political contexts.

Extremely high in modern, urban Chinese contexts.

Used much more casually as a noun for 'camera' than the English word 'surveillance' is used.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"你觉得城市里到处都是监控好吗？ (Do you think it's good that there are security cameras everywhere in the city?)"

"你们公司会监控员工的上网记录吗？ (Does your company monitor employees' internet browsing history?)"

"如果丢了东西，你会去查监控吗？ (If you lost something, would you go check the surveillance footage?)"

"智能手表监控健康数据准确吗？ (Is the health data monitored by smartwatches accurate?)"

"如何平衡监控与个人隐私？ (How do we balance monitoring and personal privacy?)"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when a security camera (监控) helped you or someone you know.

Write your opinion on the balance between public security monitoring and personal privacy.

If you had to monitor (监控) one metric of your life every day, what would it be and why?

Explain how technology has changed the way we monitor the environment.

Write a short story about a person who discovers they are being monitored.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. 监控 implies a systematic, often technological process of observation for control or data collection. You watch (看) a movie for entertainment. You monitor (监控) a security feed or data.

监控 is generally neutral and refers to monitoring systems, data, or public areas for safety or management. 监视 carries a negative connotation of spying or covertly keeping a suspect under surveillance.

You can simply use the word 监控 as a noun. For example, '这里有监控' means 'There is a security camera here'. You can also say 监控摄像头 for clarity, but 监控 alone is very common.

It is highly versatile. It is formal enough to be used in legal documents and academic papers, but common enough to be used in everyday conversation when talking about lost items and security cameras.

Yes, absolutely. It is very common in medical contexts. For example, 监控心率 means to monitor heart rate, and 监控病情 means to monitor the progression of an illness.

实时 (shí shí) means real-time. Therefore, 实时监控 means real-time monitoring. This is a very common phrase in IT, security, and finance.

The most natural and common way to say this in Mandarin is 查监控 (chá jiān kòng) or 调取监控 (diào qǔ jiān kòng) in a more formal police context.

Yes, the word can be used this way, especially regarding internet usage or tracking apps. However, it can carry a slightly negative or overbearing connotation, implying a lack of trust.

The measure word is usually 个 (gè) or 台 (tái). For example, 一台监控 (one security camera) or 安装了几个监控 (installed a few security cameras).

While understood, in Taiwan, the term 監視器 (jiān shì qì) is much more commonly used to refer to a security camera. 監控 is used more for the abstract verb 'to monitor'.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence stating that there is a security camera here.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Basic noun usage.