监
ancient government office; surname
Meanings
2 senses · 10 examplesnoun
ancient government office; bureau; department
archaicHistorical term for imperial government offices. Often found in historical texts and names of ancient institutions.
The Imperial Observatory (Qin Tian Jian) was responsible for observing celestial phenomena and making calendars.
The Imperial College (Guo Zi Jian) was the highest educational institution and administrative body in ancient China.
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The Directorate of the Palace Library was an office in charge of books and archives.
The Directorate for Imperial Manufactories in the Tang Dynasty oversaw matters related to artisans and craftsmanship.
The character 'Jian' in these official titles reflects their administrative functions.
noun
surname; family name
neutralA relatively rare surname in modern China.
Mr. Jian is our new neighbor.
There was a famous scholar in history with the surname Jian.
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May I ask your surname? — My surname is Jian.
The surname Jian is mainly concentrated in a few regions of China.
The roster reads: Jian So-and-so, male, 28 years old.