Translation guide
The English word 'monitor' can refer to a device screen, the act of watching or tracking something, or a person who observes. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Referring to the physical screen or display device, such as a computer monitor.
The most common and direct loanword for a computer monitor or display screen. Used in everyday conversation.
I bought a new monitor.
Please check the monitor's resolution.
Also a common loanword, often used interchangeably with モニター, but can sound slightly more technical or refer to the display component itself.
This display has beautiful colors.
Means 'screen' in a general sense. Can refer to the monitor surface, but not the whole device. Use when talking about what is shown on the screen.
The screen is too dark.
The action of monitoring a situation, process, or data over time.
The standard verb for 'to monitor' in the sense of surveillance, observation, or keeping under watch. Can be used for security, systems, or behavior.
We are monitoring the store interior with security cameras.
It is necessary to constantly monitor the system status.
A loanword verb meaning 'to monitor'. Common in business or technical contexts, but slightly less formal than 監視する. Often used for tracking data or performance.
We are monitoring the server load.
Means 'to observe' carefully, often for scientific or medical purposes. Implies a more passive, detailed watching rather than active surveillance.
Means 'to watch over' with a sense of care or protection. Used for monitoring children, elderly, or someone's well-being, not for technical surveillance.
Referring to a person whose job is to watch or check something, such as an exam monitor or a system observer.
A person who monitors, such as a security guard or surveillance staff. Neutral and widely understood.
The monitor is checking the monitor screens.
An observer, often in a scientific or formal context. Not typically used for a job title like 'monitor'.
監視する is the standard Japanese verb for monitoring, often implying surveillance or security. モニターする is a loanword used in technical or business settings, and can sound more modern or casual. For formal documents, prefer 監視する.
monitor the network
monitor the network (slightly more casual/technical)
While モニター can mean a device or the action, it is not used to refer to a person who monitors. Use 監視員 or a specific role like 試験監督 instead.
We are carefully monitoring the patient's symptoms.
子供たちが安全に遊んでいるか見守っています。
I'm monitoring the children to make sure they are playing safely.
Specifically an exam proctor or invigilator. Use only in the context of tests or examinations.
The exam monitor is walking around the classroom.
The monitor recorded the subjects' behavior.