How to Write 牢 (láo) — Meaning “prison; firm”

Picture a cow (牛) stuck under a roof (宀), unable to escape – that is a 'prison' for the cow. Alternatively, think of the roof making the cow stay in place, which helps you remember the meaning 'firm' as well.

Write the roof component 宀 first: a dot, then a horizontal stroke that curves slightly left. Then write the cow 牛 below: a short left-falling stroke, followed by two horizontal strokes, and finally a vertical stroke through the middle. Common mistakes include making the roof too wide or the last vertical stroke too short.

牢 has a roof on top, while 牝 (pìn) has a knife-like component 匕 on the right and means 'female animal', and 牟 (móu) has a private-like component 厶 on top meaning 'to seek'. Visually, 牢 is the only one with a clear enclosure shape at the top.

牢 is commonly used in words like 坐牢 (to be in prison) and 牢固 (firm; solid). It also appears in 牢记 (to keep firmly in mind). Culturally, the character reflects ancient Chinese practice of using pens for both animals and criminals, showing the original link between animal enclosures and prisons.

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.