Meaning
The kanji 労 embodies concepts such as "labor," "toil," "effort," "work," and "trouble." It describes expending physical or mental energy, often implying strenuous work, exertion, or even the fatigue that results. Understanding this kanji is key to grasping many Japanese expressions about work, effort, and hardship.
Historically, 労 is believed to be a semantic-phonetic compound. Its bottom component, 力, represents "strength" or "power." The upper part is more complex. Some scholars interpret it as a simplified form related to 焱 (flames) or 囟 (brain/mind), hinting at something consuming or arduous. A common interpretation, however, links it to a roof (宀) over flames (炎). This imagery symbolizes something intense and demanding, perhaps even the sweat and heat from strenuous work. In essence, the kanji visually combines the idea of "intense effort" or "arduousness" (from the top part) with the "expenditure of strength" (力). This powerful combination vividly illustrates the concept of laboring or toiling.
With 7 strokes, 労 is taught in Grade 6 of Japanese elementary school. This indicates its relatively common use and importance in everyday Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 労 is:
ロウ (ROU): This reading appears in most compound words containing 労, often as a noun or part of a verb. It generally conveys the core meaning of labor, work, effort, or the troubles associated with them. You'll find it in terms related to physical work, mental effort, or the state of being tired.
労働 (rōdō) — labor, work
This is one of the most common compounds, directly meaning "labor" or "work."
- 疲労 (hirō) — fatigue, exhaustion
Here, 労 combines with 疲 (tiredness) to express the state of being exhausted from effort.
- 苦労 (kurō) — troubles, hardships, efforts
This compound signifies difficulties or hardships, often implying the effort one puts into overcoming them.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi (native Japanese readings) for 労 are:
いたわ.る (itawaru): When used as a verb, 労る means "to be sympathetic to," "to console," "to care for," or "to pity." It implies showing kindness and concern towards someone who has experienced effort, hardship, or is unwell. This reading emphasizes compassion and support for those who have toiled.
労る (itawaru) — to care for, to console
Used to express showing care and consideration to someone.
- 病人を労る (byōnin wo itawaru) — to care for a sick person
Illustrates the act of tending to someone ill with compassion.
- 体を労る (karada wo itawaru) — to take care of one's body
Often used in the context of recovering from exertion or illness, or preventing overwork.
ねぎら.う (negirau): As a verb, 労う means "to thank (for effort)," "to appreciate (someone's toil)," or "to reward." It focuses on acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the hard work, dedication, or effort someone has put in, recognizing their valuable contribution.
労う (negirau) — to thank (for effort), to appreciate
Directly expresses gratitude for someone's efforts.
- 部下を労う (buka wo negirau) — to thank one's subordinates for their effort
Commonly used in a work context to appreciate staff.
- 彼の労をねぎらう (kare no rō wo negirau) — to appreciate his efforts
An alternative way to express appreciation for someone's hard work.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 労 appears in many essential Japanese words and compounds. Here are some examples, categorized by theme to help you understand their nuances.
Work & Effort Related:
労働 (rōdō) — labor, work
This is the most direct translation, referring to physical or mental work.
- 勤労 (kinrō) — diligence, labor
Emphasizes diligent and dedicated work.
- 労力 (rōryoku) — labor, effort, toil
Refers to the energy or effort expended in work.
- 労使 (rōshi) — labor and management
A term used in the context of industrial relations.
- 労賃 (rōchin) — wages, labor cost
The cost or payment for labor.
Fatigue & Hardship Related:
疲労 (hirō) — fatigue, exhaustion
The state of being tired from work or effort.
- 過労 (karō) — overwork, strain
Working too much, leading to health issues.
- 苦労 (kurō) — troubles, hardships, efforts
Refers to difficulties encountered and the effort to overcome them.
- 労苦 (rōku) — hardships, toil, troubles
A more formal term for enduring significant hardship and labor.
Appreciation & Welfare Related:
ご苦労様 (gokurōsama) — expression of gratitude for someone's efforts
A common phrase used by superiors to subordinates to thank them for their work.
- 慰労 (irō) — consolation, entertainment (to reward labor)
The act of comforting or entertaining someone who has worked hard.
- 労い (negirai) — appreciation for effort, thanks
The noun form of the verb 労う, signifying the act of showing appreciation.
- 労災 (rōsai) — industrial accident, workers' compensation
Refers to accidents that occur during work and the related compensation system.
Example Sentences
長年の労に報いて、彼は昇進した。
Naganen no rō ni mukuite, kare wa shōshin shita.
In recognition of his many years of labor, he was promoted.
仕事で疲労が溜まっているので、休養が必要だ。
Shigoto de hirō ga tamatte iru node, kyūyō ga hitsuyō da.
I'm accumulating fatigue from work, so I need rest.
彼女は病人を労るように、優しく接した。
Kanojo wa byōnin wo itawaru yō ni, yasashiku sesshita.
She treated the sick person gently, as if caring for them.
今日は皆さん、お疲れ様でした。ご苦労様です。
Kyō wa minasan, otsukaresama deshita. Gokurōsama desu.
Everyone, thank you for your hard work today. Good job!
過労は健康に悪いので、十分な睡眠をとりましょう。
Karō wa kenkō ni warui node, jūbun na suimin wo torimashō.
Overwork is bad for your health, so let's get enough sleep.
部下の長年の労を労うため、宴会が開かれた。
Buka no naganen no rō wo negirau tame, enkai ga hirakareta.
To appreciate his subordinate's many years of effort, a banquet was held.
彼は苦労の末、ついに会社を成功させた。
Kare wa kurō no sue, tsui ni kaisha wo seikō saseta.
After many hardships, he finally made his company successful.
労働者の権利を守ることは、とても大切です。
Rōdōsha no kenri wo mamoru koto wa, totemo taisetsu desu.
Protecting workers' rights is very important.
一日中の労働で、体が重く感じられる。
Ichinichijū no rōdō de, karada ga omoku kanjirareru.
After a full day's labor, my body feels heavy.
Memory Tip
To remember 労, break down its components into a memorable visual story. The bottom part is 力 (chikara), meaning "power" or "strength." The top part, while historically complex, can be simplified for mnemonic purposes. Imagine a "roof" (宀) under which someone is working so strenuously that they are almost "on fire" (炎) from the effort, or perhaps sweat is pouring from them like flames. This image of someone expending all their "strength" (力) under demanding conditions, toiling so intensely that they radiate heat or exhaustion, perfectly embodies the essence of "labor" or "toil." This powerful combination clearly illustrates the idea of expending great effort.