Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
劳动(勞動)láodòng(lao2dong4)
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.
Frequency#8459DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 劳动 is deeply rooted in the cultural appreciation for hard work and self-reliance, often celebrated during Labor Day (劳动节) on May 1st. This reflects the historical significance of labor in Chinese society, particularly in the context of socialist values.
Memory Tip
Imagine a laborer in a field, toiling hard under the sun, with the characters 劳 (láo) representing 'toil' and 动 (dòng) symbolizing 'movement' or 'action'. Picture them energetically moving their hands and feet as they work, helping you remember that 'labor' involves both effort and physical activity.
Meanings of 劳动
láodòng(lao2dong4)
1work
2toil
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 劳动
劳动Simplified
勞動Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#8459Frequency Rank
次Measure Word
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3BCT✓CEFRB2
Podcast: 劳动
Podcast: 劳动
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 劳动
Quick Contrast
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.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a laborer in a field, toiling hard under the sun, with the characters 劳 (láo) representing 'toil' and 动 (dòng) symbolizing 'movement' or 'action'. Picture them energetically moving their hands and feet as they work, helping you remember that 'labor' involves both effort and physical activity.
Usage Notes
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.
HSK Study Tips
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.
Cultural Note
In China, the concept of 劳动 is deeply rooted in the cultural appreciation for hard work and self-reliance, often celebrated during Labor Day (劳动节) on May 1st. This reflects the historical significance of labor in Chinese society, particularly in the context of socialist values.
Common Mistakes
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 劳动
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
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.
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.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
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)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
各家经营各自的农场，收获各自的劳动成果。
gè jiā jīng yíng gè zì de nóng cháng， ， shōu huò gè zì de láo dòng chéng。
Each family farms individually and reaps the benefit of its labor.
Reduction in the tax on unearned income could be a boost for small businesses.
Cultural Notes for 劳动
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the concept of 劳动 is deeply rooted in the cultural appreciation for hard work and self-reliance, often celebrated during Labor Day (劳动节) on May 1st. This reflects the historical significance of labor in Chinese society, particularly in the context of socialist values.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
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.
Yes, 劳动 can refer to both paid and unpaid work, highlighting the effort involved regardless of compensation.
You might hear it in discussions about labor rights, productivity, or even in expressions praising hard work.
