All meanings
- firm
- sturdy
- fold (for animals)
- sacrifice
- prison
In context
Example sentences
这把椅子做得很牢固。
Zhè bǎ yǐzi zuò de hěn láogù.
This chair is built very sturdily.
Keep going
Related words
Words with 牢
HSK levels
牢: New to the HSK lists at HSK 6. See where your old level lands
New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting of the new exam is announced for 13 December 2026, for HSK 1 to 6. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.
Study this word
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Frequently Asked Questions
牢 (láo) means "firm; sturdy; fold (for animals); sacrifice; prison" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 6.
牢 is pronounced "láo" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 2.
牢 is an HSK 6 word on the new HSK exam syllabus.
Common words with 牢 include 嘴牢 (tight-lipped), 地牢 (prison), 坐牢 (to be imprisoned), 坚牢 (strong), 大牢 (prison).
You can practice writing 牢 using our stroke order tool.
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.