Meaning and Usage
"监狱" (jiānyù) specifically refers to a prison or jail where people are confined as punishment for crimes. It is a formal term used in legal and official contexts.
Common Collocations
- 监狱生活 (prison life): describes the daily conditions and routines inside prison.
- 监狱管理 (prison management): refers to the administration and supervision of prison facilities.
- 监狱服刑 (serve a prison sentence): used when talking about serving time in prison.
Usage Notes
When using "监狱," speakers imply a place of confinement with strict supervision. It is often contrasted with "拘留所" (detention center), which is for shorter-term holding. "监狱" carries a serious tone and is not used casually.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse "监狱" with "监控" (surveillance) or "监视" (to monitor), which share the character "监" but have different meanings related to supervision rather than a physical prison.