锁定

• Pinyin: suǒ dìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 锁 = 钅(metal) + 贝 + 小; 定 = 宀 (roof) + 疋

Meaning

To lock; to fix on; to secure. Can be physical (locking) or abstract (securing a target or position).

Versatile verb meaning to physically lock something, secure a target (military/police), clinch a victory, or fix a rate/price. Common in technology, sports, and security contexts.

Examples

1. 警方已经锁定了几名犯罪嫌疑人，正在实施抓捕。 The police have identified several suspects and are carrying out arrests.
2. 中国队凭借最后一轮的胜利锁定了小组第一的位置。 The Chinese team clinched first place in the group with their final-round victory.
3. 建议现在锁定汇率，避免后期波动带来的损失。 It's recommended to lock in the exchange rate now to avoid losses from later fluctuations.

Usage Guide

Context: technology, sports, security, finance

Tone: decisive

Do Say

• 屏幕锁定了，输入密码解锁。(The screen is locked — enter the password to unlock.)
• 目标已经锁定。(The target has been locked on.)

Don't Say

• 把'决定'都说成'锁定' (锁定 implies securing something against change — for regular decisions, use 确定 or 决定)

Origin & History

锁 means lock, 定 means to fix or settle. Together: to lock in or secure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal