Meanings of 监狱
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Podcast: 监狱
Podcast: 监狱
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AI study notes for 监狱
监狱 (jiānyù) vs 拘留所 (jūliú suǒ): 监狱 refers to a prison for long-term incarceration, while 拘留所 is a detention center for holding individuals temporarily.
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 监狱, as using the wrong tone can change its meaning entirely. It is typically a formal term, often used in legal discussions or when referring to the justice system. Common collocations include '监狱生活' (prison life) and '监狱管理' (prison management).
As a Level 6 HSK word, 监狱 is often encountered in advanced discussions about law, society, and crime. Students should focus on context and usage in formal situations as well as related vocabulary about justice and crime.
Learners often confuse 监狱 (prison) with 看守所 (guard house), which is a place for temporary detention. Remember that 监狱 is for serving sentences, while 看守所 is for holding individuals before trial.
Pronunciation of 监狱
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Component characters
How to say prison in Chinese
“prison” in Chinese is监狱
监狱 (jiān yù) refers to a facility where individuals are incarcerated as punishment for crimes. It is commonly used in legal and social contexts, often associated with discussions about criminal justice, rehabilitation, and human rights.
When to use 监狱
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 监狱, as using the wrong tone can change its meaning entirely. It is typically a formal term, often used in legal discussions or when referring to the justice system. Common collocations include '监狱生活' (prison life) and '监狱管理' (prison management).
监狱 or something close to it
监狱 (jiānyù) vs 拘留所 (jūliú suǒ): 监狱 refers to a prison for long-term incarceration, while 拘留所 is a detention center for holding individuals temporarily.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 监狱 (prison) with 看守所 (guard house), which is a place for temporary detention. Remember that 监狱 is for serving sentences, while 看守所 is for holding individuals before trial.
Write 监狱
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Practice writing 监狱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar patterns of 监狱
监狱 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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他在得克萨斯____服刑时学会了这首歌。
He learned this song as an inmate at a Texas prison.
Example sentences for 监狱 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 监狱
In Western cultures, prisons often emphasize rehabilitation, while in China, there can be a stronger focus on punishment and social order.
Frequently asked questions about 监狱
监狱 refers specifically to prisons for long-term incarceration, while 拘留所 refers to detention centers for short-term holding.
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