Meaning
监视 means to watch or observe someone or something closely and continuously, often for security, control, or investigative purposes. It implies systematic observation rather than casual watching, and is commonly used in contexts involving security cameras, police surveillance, or keeping track of suspicious activities.
Usage
This word is frequently used in formal contexts related to security, law enforcement, and technology. It carries a somewhat serious or official tone. Common in news reports about surveillance systems, monitoring equipment, or tracking activities. Native speakers often use it when discussing CCTV cameras (监视器) or being watched by authorities.
Examples
- 01警方正在监视那个可疑的建筑物。.The police are monitoring that suspicious building.
- 02这个地区安装了很多监视摄像头。.This area has many surveillance cameras installed.
Characters
Common collocations
- 监视器surveillance camera, monitor
- 监视系统surveillance system
- 受到监视to be under surveillance
- 严密监视to monitor closely
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to watching: 监 originally depicted a person looking down at water (a mirror) to see their reflection, evolving to mean supervision. 视 combines 示 (to show) and 见 (to see), meaning to look at something.