Translation and Meaning of: 監視 - kanshi

The Japanese word 監視 [かんし] is a term that stands out due to its meaning and application in various contexts. If you are looking to better understand what it represents, how it is used in everyday Japanese, or even its origin, this article will help you. Here, we will explore everything from translation and writing to cultural curiosities and memorization tips, all based on reliable sources. Whether for study or pure curiosity, Suki Nihongo provides accurate information to enrich your knowledge of the language.

Meaning and translation of 監視 [かんし]

監視 [かんし] is a Japanese word that means "surveillance," "monitoring," or "supervision." It is composed of the kanji 監 (kan), which conveys the idea of inspection or control, and 視 (shi), which relates to "looking" or "observing." Together, these ideograms form a term that describes the act of watching closely, often with a specific purpose, such as security or management.

In Portuguese, the most common translation is "vigilância," but depending on the context, it can be adapted to "monitoramento" or "fiscalização." For example, in corporate environments, 監視 may refer to the monitoring of processes, while in public security situations, the term takes on a more serious tone.

Origin and cultural use of 監視

The origin of 監視 dates back to the use of Chinese kanji incorporated into Japanese. The character 監 appears in terms such as 監督 (kantoku, "supervisor"), reinforcing its connection to the idea of control. Meanwhile, 視 is frequently found in words like 視覚 (shikaku, "vision") and 視点 (shiten, "point of view"), indicating its relation to observation.

In Japan, the concept of 監視 is present in various aspects of society, from security cameras in train stations to monitoring of social media. Japanese culture values order and prevention, which leads to the word being used fairly often in discussions about technology and public safety.

How to memorize and use 監視 in everyday life

One tip for memorizing 監視 is to associate the radicals of the kanji with mental images. For example, 監 contains the radical 目 (eye), which appears in other characters related to vision. Meanwhile, 視 includes the radical 示 (to show), reinforcing the idea of observing something that is being displayed. This decomposition helps to cement the meaning in a more intuitive way.

In everyday life, you can find 監視 in sentences like "このエリアは監視カメラで記録されています" (This area is being monitored by surveillance cameras). If you are studying Japanese, including examples like this in Anki or flashcards can be a great way to practice.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

監視 (Kanshi) - Supervision, surveillance
監察 (Kansatsu) - Inspection, supervision aimed at verifying compliance with standards
監督 (Kantoku) - Direction, supervision usually in a production or management context
見張り (Mihari) - Surveillance, guard in a sense of constant observation.
見守り (Mimamori) - Observation, taking care of something or someone with attention