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劳驾 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
劳驾
láojià
excuse me
HSK 7, nr, 15 strokes, rank #6118, Very Hard
láojià(lao2jia4)lao jia T2
1excuse me
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March 24, 2026
劳驾(勞駕)láojià(lao2jia4)
劳驾 (láo jià) is a polite expression used to get someone's attention or to ask for a favor, similar to saying 'excuse me' in English. It is often used in situations where you need to interrupt someone or request their assistance. The phrase conveys respect and courtesy.
Strokes15Frequency#6118DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, politeness and respect in communication are highly valued, especially when addressing strangers or superiors. Using expressions like 劳驾 can reflect a good understanding of social hierarchies and formalities in Chinese society.
Memory tip
Imagine a laborer (劳) politely asking for permission (驾) to pass through a busy street. Visualize this laborer tipping their hat, demonstrating that they are not just asking but doing so with respect. The '劳' part looks like a person laboring, and '驾' can remind you of driving or navigating through a crowd.
Meanings of 劳驾
láojià(lao2jia4)
1excuse me
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 劳驾
劳驾Simplified
勞駕Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#6118Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 劳驾
Podcast: 劳驾
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AI study notes for 劳驾
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to use 劳驾 too informally, as it is generally reserved for polite requests. Avoid saying it in casual conversations among close friends. Common collocations include '劳驾，请问' (Excuse me, may I ask...) and '劳驾，帮个忙' (Excuse me, could you help me?).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 劳驾 connects well with other polite expressions and request verbs. Focus on using it in context with other formal vocabulary to enhance your conversational skills. Practice combining it with phrases like '请' (please) to form more respectful requests.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 劳驾 in overly casual settings. For example, saying '劳驾, 你干嘛?' (Excuse me, what are you doing?) to a close friend sounds overly formal. Instead, use a more casual approach with friends, such as '嘿, 你在干嘛?'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 劳驾
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Learning Lab
Knowing 劳驾 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.
劳驾 (láo jià) is a polite expression used to get someone's attention or to ask for a favor, similar to saying 'excuse me' in English. It is often used in situations where you need to interrupt someone or request their assistance. The phrase conveys respect and courtesy.
When to use 劳驾
Be cautious not to use 劳驾 too informally, as it is generally reserved for polite requests. Avoid saying it in casual conversations among close friends. Common collocations include '劳驾，请问' (Excuse me, may I ask...) and '劳驾，帮个忙' (Excuse me, could you help me?).
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 劳驾 in overly casual settings. For example, saying '劳驾, 你干嘛?' (Excuse me, what are you doing?) to a close friend sounds overly formal. Instead, use a more casual approach with friends, such as '嘿, 你在干嘛?'.
Write 劳驾
劳
驾
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Grammar patterns of 劳驾
劳驾 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
____你服从我要给出的指令好不好？
Will you kindly obey the instructions I am about to give?
