Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
监狱(監獄)jiānyù(jian1yu4)
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.
Strokes19Frequency#685DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In China, discussions around 监狱 can reflect societal attitudes towards crime and punishment, including a blend of traditional and modern perspectives on rehabilitation versus retribution.
Memory Tip
Think of 监 (jiān) as a watchtower, where guards monitor prisoners, and 狱 (yù) as a 'yucky' place where people don’t want to end up. Together, they depict a place where one is watched over while being in a negative environment.
Meanings of 监狱
jiānyù(jian1yu4)
1prison
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 监狱
监狱Simplified
監獄Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#685Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 监狱
Podcast: 监狱
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 监狱
Quick Contrast
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.
Usage Notes
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).
HSK Study Tips
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 监狱
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 监狱 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
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
监
狱
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 监狱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
他在得克萨斯监狱服刑时学会了这首歌。
tā zài dé kè sà sī jiān yù fú xíng shí xué huì le zhè shǒu gē。
He learned this song as an inmate at a Texas prison.
