I'm learning 日本語

労働 — meaning in English: Labor

rōdō · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for labour
ゾーン
zōn
設立
setsuritsu
作品
sakuhin
労働
rōdō
kui
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Japanese for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
formal common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 労働 (rōdō) in formal discussions about work conditions, labor rights, and economic policies, often in contexts related to union negotiations or governmental labor reports. You might hear this term during a news report on labor strikes or in an academic setting discussing labor economics.
Synonyms & nuances
While 労働 (rōdō) specifically refers to labor in a formal context, a similar term, 働き (hataraki), can convey the act of working more casually. You would use 労働 in discussions about labor laws, whereas 働き might come up in a conversation about daily work activities.
Culture
The word 労働 (rōdō) has roots in the classical Chinese word for labor, which illustrates the historical significance of work ethics in East Asian cultures. In Japan, the concept of labor has evolved alongside the rapid economic growth post-World War II, highlighting a cultural shift towards valuing work-life balance and workers' rights.
FAQ
Q.What does the word 労働 mean in English?
The word 労働 (rōdō) translates to 'labor' in English, referring to work, especially in a formal or economic context.
Q.How is 労働 used in a sentence?
You might say, 'この国の労働者は権利を守るために団結しています,' which means 'The workers in this country are united to protect their rights.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with 労働?
One common mistake is using 労働 in informal settings where 働き (hataraki) would be more appropriate. Remember that 労働 conveys a more serious, formal idea of labor.
Learn japanese with Maspeak →
Japanese 2000