Keywords: láogù, 牢固, firm, secure, solid, strong, stable, how to say firm in Chinese, Chinese word for secure, relationship foundation, láogù meaning, HSK 5 vocabulary.
Summary: Discover the meaning of 牢固 (láogù), a key Chinese adjective used to describe anything that is firm, strong, and securely established. Whether you're talking about a well-built bridge, a solid friendship, a strong foundation of knowledge, or a deeply held belief, láogù conveys a powerful sense of unshakeable stability and reliability. This page breaks down its characters, cultural significance, and practical usage with plenty of examples to make your Chinese foundation more láogù.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): láogù
Part of Speech: Adjective
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: Firmly established, strong, and not easily moved or broken.
In a Nutshell: Think of 牢固 (láogù) as the ultimate word for something built to last. It describes both physical and abstract things that are rock-solid and dependable. A chair can be láogù, but more importantly, a relationship, a memory, or the foundation for your skills can also be láogù. It carries a feeling of deep-seated security, trustworthiness, and enduring strength.
Character Breakdown
牢 (láo): This character originally depicted an enclosure for cattle (牛 niú) under a roof (宀). Its core meaning is a pen, prison, or something securely enclosed. In this context, it contributes the sense of being secure, firm, and hard to break out of or apart.
固 (gù): This character is an ideogram showing a solid, ancient object (古 gǔ) within a boundary (囗). It directly means solid, firm, and stable.
When combined, 牢 (secure) + 固 (solid) creates a powerful compound word. It's not just solid; it's securely solid. The two characters reinforce each other to mean something is exceptionally firm, unshakeable, and reliable.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Chinese culture, stability (稳定 wěndìng) is a highly prized value, whether in society, family, or personal endeavors. The concept of 牢固 (láogù) is the bedrock of that stability. To succeed in anything—from studies to business to relationships—one must first build a 牢固的基础 (láogù de jīchǔ), a “firm foundation.”
Comparison to “Strong” or “Solid” in English: While we can say a friendship is “strong” in English, using 牢固 to describe a friendship (友谊很牢固 yǒuyì hěn láogù) implies something more. It suggests the friendship has been tested by time and challenges, its structure is sound, and it's built on a deep foundation of trust and mutual support. It focuses less on the emotional intensity (like “a passionate friendship”) and more on its structural integrity and reliability. A láogù friendship is one you can count on, no matter what.
Practical Usage in Modern China
牢固 is a standard and slightly formal term used in a wide variety of contexts. It is almost always positive.
Physical Structures & Objects: Used to describe things that are well-made and sturdy.
“这个梯子牢固吗？” (Zhège tīzi láogù ma?) - Is this ladder sturdy?
Abstract Foundations & Concepts: This is a very common and important usage. It describes the strength of non-physical things.
Knowledge:打下牢固的知识基础 (dǎxià láogù de zhīshì jīchǔ) - to lay a firm foundation of knowledge.
Relationships:我们之间的友谊非常牢固 (wǒmen zhījiān de yǒuyì fēicháng láogù) - The friendship between us is extremely solid.
Beliefs/Convictions:他有牢固的信念 (tā yǒu láogù de xìnniàn) - He has firm convictions.
Verbal Usage (To make firm): Sometimes used with verbs like 巩固 (gǒnggù) to mean “to consolidate and make firm.”
我们需要巩固我们已有的市场地位。(Wǒmen xūyào gǒnggù wǒmen yǐyǒu de shìchǎng dìwèi.) - We need to consolidate our existing market position. While `巩固` is the verb, the idea of `牢固` is embedded within it.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
这座桥的结构非常牢固，能够抵抗强烈的地震。
Pinyin: Zhè zuò qiáo de jiégòu fēicháng láogù, nénggòu dǐkàng qiángliè de dìzhèn.
English: The structure of this bridge is very firm, able to withstand strong earthquakes.
Analysis: A classic example of láogù describing the physical integrity and reliability of a large structure.
Example 2:
想要学好中文，你必须打下牢固的基础。
Pinyin: Xiǎngyào xuéhǎo Zhōngwén, nǐ bìxū dǎxià láogù de jīchǔ.
English: If you want to learn Chinese well, you must lay a solid foundation.
Analysis: This is a crucial use case for learners. It emphasizes that the foundation (基础 jīchǔ) of knowledge must be strong and dependable.
English: Please tie this knot a bit more securely, otherwise the box will fall apart.
Analysis: A very practical, everyday usage. Here it's used adverbially to modify the verb “tie” (打 dǎ).
Example 5:
他的记忆力非常牢固，几十年前的事情都还记得清清楚楚。
Pinyin: Tā de jìyìlì fēicháng láogù, jǐ shí nián qián de shìqíng dōu hái jìde qīngqīngchǔchǔ.
English: His memory is very solid; he still remembers things from decades ago clearly.
Analysis: Shows how láogù can describe abstract mental faculties, similar to “a steel-trap memory” in English.
Example 6:
经济的牢固发展是社会稳定的前提。
Pinyin: Jīngjì de láogù fāzhǎn shì shèhuì wěndìng de qiántí.
English: A firm economic development is the prerequisite for social stability.
Analysis: A more formal and macroeconomic usage, linking a láogù economy to the key cultural value of stability (稳定 wěndìng).
Example 7:
经过多年的努力，他在公司的地位已经非常牢固了。
Pinyin: Jīngguò duōnián de nǔlì, tā zài gōngsī de dìwèi yǐjīng fēicháng láogù le.
English: After years of hard work, his position in the company is already very secure.
Analysis: Used to describe a person's status or position, implying it's not easily challenged.
Example 8:
那个登山者用双手牢固地抓住了岩石。
Pinyin: Nàge dēngshānzhě yòng shuāngshǒu láogù de zhuāzhùle yánshí.
English: The climber firmly grasped the rock with both hands.
Analysis: Used as an adverb (牢固地) to describe an action, emphasizing the security of the grip.
Example 9:
父母从小就给我灌输了牢固的价值观。
Pinyin: Fùmǔ cóngxiǎo jiù gěi wǒ guànshū le láogù de jiàzhíguān.
English: My parents instilled in me a firm set of values from a young age.
Analysis: Excellent example of láogù describing deeply held, unshakeable beliefs or values.
Example 10:
只有牢固地掌握了基础词汇，你的口语才能流利起来。
Pinyin: Zhǐyǒu láogù de zhǎngwòle jīchǔ cíhuì, nǐ de kǒuyǔ cáinéng liúlì qǐlái.
English: Only by firmly grasping the basic vocabulary can your spoken Chinese become fluent.
Analysis: Another example of adverbial usage, modifying the verb “to grasp/master” (掌握 zhǎngwò). This is very common in educational contexts.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`牢固` (láogù) vs. `结实` (jiēshi): This is a common point of confusion.
`结实` is mostly for physical things and people. It means “sturdy,” “solid,” or “well-built.” You would say a man is `很结实` (hěn jiēshi - very sturdy/well-built) or a coat is `很结实` (hěn jiēshi - very durable).
`牢固` can describe physical things (like a bridge), but it excels at describing abstract concepts like foundations, relationships, beliefs, and memories.
Mistake: Saying “他的身体很牢固。” (Tā de shēntǐ hěn láogù.) → Incorrect. You should say: “他的身体很结实。” (Tā de shēntǐ hěn jiēshi.)
`牢固` (láogù) vs. `稳定` (wěndìng):
`牢固` describes the cause: the inherent strength and solid structure.
`稳定` describes the effect: the state of being stable and not changing erratically.
A bridge is `牢固` (firmly built), which results in it being `稳定` (stable) during high winds. You wouldn't say a price is `牢固`; you would say it's `稳定` (stable price).
Incorrect Usage Example:
Incorrect:“这个国家的经济很牢固。” (Zhège guójiā de jīngjì hěn láogù.)
Why it's awkward: While not strictly wrong, native speakers would more commonly describe an economy's state as stable.
Better:“这个国家的经济很稳定。” (Zhège guójiā de jīngjì hěn wěndìng.) - This country's economy is very stable.
Correct use of `láogù`:“这个国家有牢固的工业基础。” (Zhège guójiā yǒu láogù de gōngyè jīchǔ.) - This country has a firm industrial foundation. (Here, `láogù` correctly describes the foundation, which leads to a stable economy).
Related Terms and Concepts
结实 (jiēshi) - A close synonym meaning “sturdy” or “durable,” but used more for physical objects and people's builds, and less for abstract concepts.
坚固 (jiāngù) - A very strong synonym for “firm” and “solid,” often used interchangeably with `láogù` for structures, fortifications, and defenses. Can feel slightly more formal.
稳定 (wěndìng) - “Stable” or “steady.” This is often the result of something being `láogù`.
基础 (jīchǔ) - “Foundation.” This is the noun most commonly modified by the adjective `láogù`.
信念 (xìnniàn) - “Belief” or “conviction.” An abstract concept that can be described as `láogù`.
友谊 (yǒuyì) - “Friendship.” A relationship that is often described as being `láogù`.
薄弱 (bóruò) - An antonym meaning “weak” or “frail,” often used to describe a foundation, an argument, or a link. (e.g., 基础薄弱 - a weak foundation).
松散 (sōngsǎn) - An antonym meaning “loose” or “not compact,” the opposite of a `láogù` structure or relationship.