Meanings of 牢牢
By ear
Play it, then pick what 牢牢 means.
About 牢牢
Podcast: 牢牢
Podcast: 牢牢
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 牢牢
牢固 (láogù) — use 牢牢 when emphasizing the manner of being firmly held, while 牢固 focuses more on the state of being solid or stable.
This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar words like '安全' (ānquán, safe), which emphasizes safety rather than firmness. Remember that 牢牢 focuses more on the strength of a hold.
While not explicitly part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding 牢牢 can help learners grasp the nuance of firmness in Chinese. It's useful to link this word with other HSK vocabulary related to security and safety, like '安全' (ānquán) or '稳固' (wěngù).
Learners often mistakenly use 牢牢 to describe something that is merely safe, rather than emphasizing firmness. For example, saying '这扇门很牢牢' (zhè shàn mén hěn láoláo) is incorrect; it should be '这扇门很安全' (zhè shàn mén hěn ānquán) to convey safety.
Pronunciation of 牢牢
Drill the tone of 牢牢, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 牢牢 to you
Let me explain 牢牢 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 牢牢 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 牢牢?
Learning Lab
Knowing 牢牢 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say firmly in Chinese
“firmly” in Chinese is牢牢
牢牢 means 'firmly' or 'safely' and is often used to describe something that is securely held or established. It emphasizes strength and stability in various contexts, such as securing an object or ensuring a strong relationship.
When to use 牢牢
This word is often used in both formal and informal contexts. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar words like '安全' (ānquán, safe), which emphasizes safety rather than firmness. Remember that 牢牢 focuses more on the strength of a hold.
牢牢 or something close to it
牢固 (láogù) — use 牢牢 when emphasizing the manner of being firmly held, while 牢固 focuses more on the state of being solid or stable.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 牢牢 to describe something that is merely safe, rather than emphasizing firmness. For example, saying '这扇门很牢牢' (zhè shàn mén hěn láoláo) is incorrect; it should be '这扇门很安全' (zhè shàn mén hěn ānquán) to convey safety.
Write 牢牢
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 牢牢 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 牢牢?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 牢牢
You can say '他牢牢把握住机会' (tā láoláo bǎwò zhù jīhuì), meaning 'He firmly seized the opportunity.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 牢牢?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.