Meanings of 劳动
By ear
Play it, then pick what 劳动 means.
About 劳动
Podcast: 劳动
Podcast: 劳动
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 劳动
劳动 (láodòng) vs 工作 (gōngzuò): choose 劳动 when emphasizing physical effort and toil, while 工作 focuses more on the act of working or the job itself.
Be mindful of using 劳动 in formal contexts, such as discussions about labor rights or work ethics. A common mistake is confusing it with 工作 (gōngzuò), which is more general and less focused on physicality. Remember that 劳动 can also refer to voluntary or unpaid work in some contexts.
As an HSK 5 word, 劳动 connects with other words about work and effort, like 工作 (gōngzuò) and 努力 (nǔlì). Focus on using it in sentences that describe types of work or the importance of labor in various fields, enhancing your vocabulary regarding employment.
Learners often misuse 劳动 in casual settings where 工作 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我在劳动' (Wǒ zài láodòng - I'm laboring) instead of '我在工作' (Wǒ zài gōngzuò - I'm working). Additionally, some may confuse it with 活动 (huódòng - activity), which has a different meaning.
Pronunciation of 劳动
Drill the tone of 劳动 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 劳动 to You
Let me explain 劳动 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 劳动 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 劳动?
Learning Lab
Knowing 劳动 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component Characters
How to say work in Chinese
“work” in Chinese is劳动
劳动 (láodòng) refers to work or physical labor, emphasizing the effort and toil involved in various tasks. It is commonly used in contexts related to employment, productivity, and the value of hard work in society. The term often carries a connotation of diligence and the necessity of effort in achieving results.
When to use 劳动
Be mindful of using 劳动 in formal contexts, such as discussions about labor rights or work ethics. A common mistake is confusing it with 工作 (gōngzuò), which is more general and less focused on physicality. Remember that 劳动 can also refer to voluntary or unpaid work in some contexts.
劳动 or something close to it
劳动 (láodòng) vs 工作 (gōngzuò): choose 劳动 when emphasizing physical effort and toil, while 工作 focuses more on the act of working or the job itself.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 劳动 in casual settings where 工作 would be more appropriate, such as saying '我在劳动' (Wǒ zài láodòng - I'm laboring) instead of '我在工作' (Wǒ zài gōngzuò - I'm working). Additionally, some may confuse it with 活动 (huódòng - activity), which has a different meaning.
Write 劳动
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 劳动 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 劳动
劳动 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
各家经营各自的农场，收获各自的____成果。
Each family farms individually and reaps the benefit of its labor.
Example Sentences for 劳动 (9)
Ask Jason
Have a question about 劳动?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Cultural Notes for 劳动
Unlike in many Western cultures where labor may be viewed as a means to an end, in Chinese culture, 劳动 is often seen as a virtue itself, embodying respect for effort and the dignity of work.
Frequently Asked Questions about 劳动
劳动 emphasizes physical work and effort, while 工作 is a broader term that refers to any kind of work or job.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 劳动?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.