牢牢

• Pinyin: láo láo
• Hanzi breakdown: 牢 = 宀 (roof) + 牛 (cow) — firm; reduplicated for emphasis

Meaning

Firmly; securely; tightly. In a manner that is solid and unyielding.

An adverb intensifying actions related to holding, grasping, controlling, or remembering. Often paired with 抓住 (grasp), 把握 (control), or 记住 (remember).

Examples

1. 他牢牢抓住机会，不肯放手。 He firmly seized the opportunity and wouldn't let go.
2. 安全带要牢牢系好。 The seatbelt must be fastened securely.
3. 牢牢把握发展主动权。 Firmly grasp the initiative in development.

Usage Guide

Context: emphasis, control, determination

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 牢牢记住这个密码。(Remember this password firmly.)
• 牢牢把控质量关。(Firmly control the quality checkpoint.)

Don't Say

• 用牢牢修饰轻松的动作。(牢牢 implies intensity — don't use for casual actions)

Origin & History

Reduplication of 牢 (firm). Reduplication intensifies the meaning of firmness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal