牢 (láo) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 牢 (láo) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 牢 (láo) means "prison; firm". It is an HSK Level 6 character, with 7 strokes and the radical 牛.

Q: How do you write 牢 stroke by stroke?

牢 has 7 strokes. The radical is 牛. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 牢 and 牝?

牢 (láo) and 牝 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 牢?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 牛. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 牢?

Common words containing 牢 include: 牢记 (láo jì) — to keep firmly in mind; 坐牢 (zuò láo) — To be in prison.; 牢固 (láo gù) — firm; solid.

How to Write 牢

The character 牢 (láo) is written with 7 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 牛 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

牢 is pronounced láo in Mandarin Chinese. It means prison; firm.

As an HSK Level 6 character, 牢 is an intermediate-level character.

Common Words with 牢

牢记 láo jì

to keep firmly in mind

坐牢 zuò láo

To be in prison.

牢固 láo gù

firm; solid

Example Sentences

请牢记这句话。

qǐng láo jì zhè jù huà

Please keep this sentence in mind.

他不想坐牢。

tā bù xiǎng zuò láo

He doesn't want to go to prison.

这个椅子很牢固。

zhè ge yǐ zi hěn láo gù

This chair is very sturdy.

Similar Characters

牝 pìn

牟 móu

牠 tā

Practice Writing 牢 (láo)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 牢 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 牢

What does 牢 (láo) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 牢 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 牢 and 牝?

What mistakes do learners make writing 牢?

What common words use 牢?

How to Write 牢 (láo)