[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Objects-and-Machinery \ #Production # 牢 láo prison; jail ## Components [[宀 (mián)]] [[宀 mián]] [[牛 (niú)]] [[牛 niú]] ## Meaning Today, the character "牢" primarily refers to a prison or jail, reflecting its extended meaning from its original representation of a livestock pen. It symbolizes confinement and incarceration, representing places where individuals are detained as part of the justice system. Additionally, it can still carry connotations of strength and reliability, reflecting the robust construction needed for such structures. ## History In ancient oracle bone script, the character "牢" depicted a cow confined within the enclosure of a livestock pen. This original meaning of "enclosure for raising cattle or horses" evolved over time. In ancient times, "牢" also referred to the sacrificial animals or provisions for feasts. The character "牢" is a compound ideograph. Inside, there is the character for "牛" (niú), meaning "cow," surrounded by the shape resembling an enclosure. This enclosure suggests the idea of confining or surrounding something. The primary meaning of "牢" is still related to livestock, describing a pen or enclosure for raising cattle or horses. However, it has also been extended metaphorically to denote a prison or jail, reflecting the idea of confinement or captivity. Furthermore, "牢" carries connotations of strength and solidity, akin to the sturdy construction of a livestock pen. This aspect of the character is often used in expressions denoting robustness or reliability. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[牢 láo - ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[牢 láo - bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[牢 láo - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[牢 láo - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[牢 láo - reg.svg]]