監督

• Reading: かんとく
• Romaji: kantoku
• Kanji breakdown: 監 (kan) — oversee, watch; 督 (toku) — supervise, direct
• Pronunciation: /kaɴ.to.kɯ/

Meaning

Director; supervisor; manager. A person who oversees and directs a project, film, or sports team.

A noun that can also function as a する-verb (監督する, to supervise or direct). 監督 is used for film directors, sports team managers, and supervisors in various fields. Context determines the specific role — 映画監督 (film director), チームの監督 (team manager), 工事を監督する (to supervise construction).

Examples

1. あの映画の監督は若くて才能がある。 The director of that movie is young and talented.
2. サッカーチームの監督が交代した。 The soccer team's manager was replaced.
3. 監督の指示に従って撮影を始めた。 Filming began according to the director's instructions.

Usage Guide

Context: film, sports, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 監 (oversee, watch) and 督 (supervise, direct). Together they mean to oversee and direct, or the person who does so.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal