'Lùo hù' literally combines 'luò' (to settle, to fall into place) and 'hù' (household or household registration), meaning the official act of registering one’s permanent residence in a specific location in China. This process is tied to the hukou (household registration) system, a foundational administrative framework that affects access to education, healthcare, housing, and employment benefits. It is not merely about moving somewhere—it requires formal approval and documentation from local public security bureaus.

The term is commonly used in urban migration contexts: rural residents seeking city residency, university graduates transferring their hukou after employment, or overseas returnees re-establishing domestic registration. While 'lùo hù' can refer to individuals or families, it always implies legal recognition by authorities—not just physical relocation. It carries significant social and practical weight, reflecting both opportunity and bureaucratic complexity in contemporary Chinese life.