看管

• Pinyin: kān guǎn
• Hanzi breakdown: 看 = 手 + 目, to look (hand over eyes); 管 = 竹 + 官, to manage (bamboo pipe = control)

Meaning

To look after; to guard; to watch over. Taking responsibility for watching or protecting something/someone.

Used for watching over property, children, prisoners, or anything requiring supervision. Implies responsibility and vigilance. Common phrases: 看管孩子 (watch the kids), 看管行李 (watch the luggage), 看管犯人 (guard prisoners). More formal than just 'watch.'

Examples

1. 我去买点东西，你帮我看管一下行李好吗？ I'm going to buy something — could you watch my luggage for me?
2. 这批货物需要专人看管，确保不会丢失或损坏。 This batch of goods needs dedicated personnel to guard them to ensure nothing is lost or damaged.
3. 狱警负责看管这些服刑人员，不能有任何疏忽。 The prison guards are responsible for watching over these inmates and cannot afford any negligence.

Usage Guide

Context: security, childcare, everyday

Tone: responsible

Do Say

• 请帮我看管一下包。(Please watch my bag for me.)
• 仓库需要有人看管。(The warehouse needs someone to guard it.)

Don't Say

• 用看管表示照顾病人 (看管 implies surveillance/guarding — for caring use 照顾 or 护理)

Origin & History

Compound of 看 (to look, to watch) + 管 (to manage, to control). Together meaning to watch and manage.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal