1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “労” (pronounced “rō” in Japanese) primarily means “labor” or “effort.” It conveys the idea of work, toil, or the exertion of energy in various contexts.
2. Formation and Radical
The kanji “労” is a compound character that combines elements to convey its meaning. It consists of the radical “力” (meaning “power” or “strength”) and the phonetic component “工” (which can relate to work or construction). This combination suggests the idea of using strength or effort in work.
The radical “力” is significant as it emphasizes the physical aspect of labor.
3. Examples of Usage
Common words and phrases that include “労” are:
- 労働 (ろうどう, rōdō) – labor, work
- 労力 (ろうりょく, rōryoku) – effort, labor power
- 労災 (ろうさい, rōsai) – work-related accident
Example sentences in daily conversation:
- 彼は毎日労働しています。 (かれはまいにちろうどうしています。) – He works every day.
- このプロジェクトには多くの労力が必要です。 (このぷろじぇくとにはおおくのろうりょくがひつようです。) – This project requires a lot of effort.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar kanji with related meanings include:
- 働 (はたらく, hataraku) – to work; it emphasizes the action of working rather than the effort involved.
- 業 (ぎょう, gyō) – work or business; it often refers to a profession or occupation.
Antonyms include:
- 休 (きゅう, kyū) – rest; it represents the opposite of labor or work.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
The concept of “労” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where hard work and diligence are highly valued. The idea of labor is often associated with personal and societal growth.
Proverbs and idioms related to “労” include:
- 「労を惜しまず」 (ろうをおしまざる, rō o oshimazaru) – “Do not spare effort,” emphasizing the importance of hard work.
- 「労働は美徳」 (ろうどうはびとく, rōdō wa bitoku) – “Labor is a virtue,” highlighting the cultural appreciation for work.