Meaning and Usage
The character 牢 primarily refers to a physical enclosure such as a prison cell, a pen for animals, or a secure place to confine something. It conveys the idea of being firmly locked or securely held.
Common Contexts
- Prison or Jail (牢房): Used to describe a prison cell or jail where criminals are confined.
- Animal Pen (牢笼): Refers to an enclosure for animals to keep them safe or contained.
- Secure or Firm (牢固): Used metaphorically to describe something that is solid, firm, or secure, such as a lock or relationship.
Collocations and Patterns
Usage Notes
When using 牢 to describe security or firmness, it often appears in compound words like 牢固. When referring to confinement, it usually appears as part of a compound indicating a physical enclosure. Avoid confusing 牢 with similar-sounding words that do not imply confinement or firmness.
Register and Tone
The word 牢 is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in written language. It is more common in literary or formal descriptions than in casual speech.