劳 (láo) - labor, work & toil

劳Tone 2

láo ｜ 7 strokes ｜ radical: 力

俊梁

劳 · láo

labor, work;

toil;

to work hard;

merit;

service;

to trouble someone;

to appreciate someone's effort.

labor, worktoilto work hard

Usage highlights

laborwork hardmeritorious serviceto trouble someonelaboratorylabor union

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 逸— leisure, ease
  • 懒— lazy
  • 闲— idle, leisure

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He works very hard (劳动).
  • We should respect labor (劳动).
  • Thank you for your hard work (辛苦了).
  • This is a labor union (工会).

Collocations

  • labor(劳动)
  • work hard(勤劳)
  • meritorious service(功劳)
  • to trouble someone(劳驾)
  • laboratory(实验室)
  • labor union(工会)

Idioms

  • Toil without achievement(劳而无功)
  • Waste mental effort(劳心劳力)
  • Work hard and endure hardship(任劳任怨)
  • The merit belongs to you(劳苦功高)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese culture, hard work and diligence are highly valued virtues.
  • The character reflects the Confucian emphasis on diligence and contributing to society through labor.
  • Labor Day (劳动节) is an important holiday celebrating workers' contributions.

FAQ