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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'firm' with 牢 (láo)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    牢 + Complement

    Explanation

    牢 (láo) means "firm," "secure," or "sturdy" and emphasizes that something is strong and unbreakable. It is often used in literary or formal four-character expressions. For example, 牢不可破 means "unbreakable" or "indestructible."

    Examples

    • 这个结扎得很牢，不容易松开。

      Zhège jié zā de hěn láo, bù róngyì sōngkāi.

      This knot is tied very tightly and is not easy to loosen.

    • 两国之间的友谊牢不可破。

      Liǎng guó zhī jiān de yǒuyì láo bù kě pò.

      The friendship between the two countries is unbreakable.

    • 把这个架子固定牢，别让它倒了。

      Bǎ zhège jiàzi gùdìng láo, bié ràng tā dǎo le.

      Secure this shelf firmly so it doesn't fall over.

    Expressing 'firm' with 牢 (láo) | Chinese Grammar