The word 功劳 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning to create a unified concept. The first character, 功, carries the sense of achievement, merit, or service. The second, 劳, represents the toil, effort, or hard work invested. Together, they conceptually merge to form the idea of "credit" or "contribution", specifically, the recognized merit that is rightfully earned as a direct result of one's exertion and diligent labor. It portrays merit not as a passive reward, but as the rightful counterpart to tangible effort.