Definitions

láo (verb) to labor; to toil
láo (noun) labor; work
láo (verb) to trouble someone
láo (noun) meritorious deed

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

About

The character "劳", meaning labor or toil, derives from the traditional form "勞", which is structurally composed of "焱" representing flames or heat above "力" indicating strength, an etymology that implies arduous or heated exertion. Over centuries, its core meaning of physical work extended to encompass associated states such as fatigue, seen in terms like "劳累", and the concept of merit or service, as in "功劳", while also adapting into courteous phrases like "劳驾" to politely impose upon someone's effort. In its present written form, the character positions "艹" above "力", a structural configuration that retains the foundational emphasis on effort through the enduring component "力".

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Spring and Autumn (~600 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

动最光荣。

Láodòng zuì guāngróng.

Labor is most glorious.

他整天累地工作。

Tā zhěngtiān láolèi de gōngzuò.

He works hard all day long.

这份报酬是动的成果。

Zhè fèn bàochou shì láodòng de chéngguǒ.

This reward is the fruit of labor.

我们要尊重动者的付出。

Wǒmen yào zūnzhòng láodòng zhě de fùchū.

We must respect the efforts of the laborers.

公司慰了所有优秀员工。

Gōngsī wèiláo le suǒyǒu yōuxiù yuángōng.

The company showed appreciation to all outstanding employees.

他的功不会被大家忘记。

Tā de gōngláo bù huì bèi dàjiā wàngjì.

His contributions will not be forgotten by everyone.

这项任务神又费力。

Zhè xiàng rènwù láoshén yòu fèilì.

This task is mentally and physically exhausting.

社会发展中脑力动越来越重要。

Shèhuì fāzhǎn zhōng nǎolì láodòng yuèláiyuè zhòngyào.

Mental labor is becoming increasingly important in social development.