牢

láo

HSK 6

牢 — láo

1. firm; solid; secure

   这把椅子做得很牢，坐起来很稳。 zhè bǎ yǐzi zuò dé hěn láo zuò qǐlái hěn wěn — This chair is made very firmly; it feels stable to sit on.

2. sturdy; durable (often of structures or objects)

   这座桥的结构非常牢，能承受很大重量。 zhè zuò qiáo de jiégòu fēicháng láo néng chéngshòu hěndà zhòngliàng — The structure of this bridge is very sturdy and can bear heavy loads.

3. to fold or pen (for animals); to confine animals in a pen

   农民在夜里把羊牢在圈里，防止它们走失。 nóngmín zài yèlǐ bǎ yáng láo zài quānlǐ fángzhǐ tāmen zǒushī — The farmers pen the sheep in the enclosure at night to prevent them from getting lost.

4. to sacrifice (old use); to offer as a sacrifice

   古代人常在节日里牢牲以求丰收。 gǔdàirén cháng zài jiérì lǐ láo shēng yǐqiú fēngshōu — In ancient times people often sacrificed animals during festivals to pray for a good harvest.

5. prison; jail (classical or literary use)

   他因犯错被关进牢里反省自己的行为。 tā yīn fàncuò bèi guānjìnláo lǐ fǎnxǐng zìjǐ de xíngwéi — He was put in prison for his wrongdoing to reflect on his actions.