The word 耐劳 is formed by combining the character 耐, meaning 'to endure' or 'withstand,' with the character 劳, meaning 'labor' or 'toil.' In this compound, 耐 functions as a verb acting upon the object 劳, directly conveying the sense of 'enduring labor,' which results in the overall meaning of being hardworking or capable of withstanding strenuous work.