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 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.
防犯カメラで店内を監視しています。
We are monitoring the store interior with security cameras.
Referring to a person whose job is to watch or check something, such as an exam monitor or a system observer.
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.
ネットワークを監視する
monitor the network
ネットワークをモニターする
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.
The most common and direct loanword for a computer monitor or display screen. Used in everyday conversation.
新しいモニターを買いました。
I bought a new monitor.
モニターの解像度を確認してください。
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.
このディスプレイは色がきれいです。
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.
画面が暗すぎます。
The screen is too dark.
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.
サーバーの負荷をモニターしています。
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.
患者の症状を注意深く観察しています。
We are carefully monitoring the patient's symptoms.
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.
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.
A person who monitors, such as a security guard or surveillance staff. Neutral and widely understood.
監視員がモニター画面をチェックしています。
The monitor is checking the monitor screens.
Specifically an exam proctor or invigilator. Use only in the context of tests or examinations.
試験監督が教室を見回っています。
The exam monitor is walking around the classroom.
An observer, often in a scientific or formal context. Not typically used for a job title like 'monitor'.
観察者は被験者の行動を記録した。
The monitor recorded the subjects' behavior.