láodòng: 劳动 - Labor, Work, Physical Toil

• Keywords: láodòng, laodong, 劳动, Chinese word for labor, Chinese for work, what does laodong mean, laodong vs gongzuo, physical labor in Chinese, May Day in China, 劳动节, Chinese work culture.
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 劳动 (láodòng), a fundamental Chinese term for “labor” or “work,” especially physical toil. Unlike the general term for a job, `工作 (gōngzuò)`, `láodòng` carries deep cultural weight, often celebrated as a noble contribution to society and the nation. This entry explores its character origins, its significance in modern China (from Labor Day to labor laws), and how to use it correctly in conversation, helping you understand the important distinction between different types of “work” in the Chinese language.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): láodòng (láo 2, dòng 4)
• Part of Speech: Noun, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: The act or concept of physical work, labor, or toil.
• In a Nutshell: `劳动` isn't just any work; it's the “rolling up your sleeves” kind of work. Think farming, construction, manufacturing, or even intense household chores. It emphasizes physical effort and exertion. While it can be used as a general, abstract concept for “labor” (like in “dignity of labor”), its core feeling is tied to physical activity and tangible production, distinguishing it from the more general, often office-based, term `工作 (gōngzuò)`.

• 劳 (láo): This character is about effort and toil. Its key component is 力 (lì) at the bottom, which means “strength,” “power,” or “effort.” The top part originally depicted a torch, suggesting working even in the dark. Together, it paints a picture of expending significant strength and effort.
• 动 (dòng): This character means “to move” or “action.” It is also composed of two parts: the radical 云 (yún), meaning “cloud,” and again, 力 (lì), for “strength.” The combination signifies using strength (力) to cause movement (动).
• Combined Meaning: When you put them together, 劳动 (láodòng) literally translates to “toil-move” or “effort-action.” This perfectly captures the essence of the word: applying physical strength and effort to accomplish a task.

`劳动` is more than just a word; it's a cornerstone of modern Chinese social and political ideology.

• The Virtue of Toil: In socialist and communist thought, labor is the source of all value. Consequently, `劳动` is often glorified in state media and education as a noble, honorable, and essential activity. The “working people,” 劳动人民 (láodòng rénmín), are positioned as the heroes and builders of the nation. This creates a cultural narrative that elevates the status and dignity of physical work.
• Comparison to “Labor” in the West: In American or Western culture, there's often a clear and sometimes rigid distinction between “blue-collar” (manual labor) and “white-collar” (office work), with the latter often perceived as having higher social status. While this social stratification certainly exists in China, the official ideology actively promotes the idea that 体力劳动 (tǐlì láodòng), or physical labor, is just as—if not more—honorable than 脑力劳动 (nǎolì láodòng), mental labor.
• 劳动节 (Láodòngjié) - Labor Day: May 1st is International Workers' Day, known in China as `劳动节`. It is a major national holiday, typically with 3 to 5 days off, underscoring the state's official reverence for `劳动` and the workforce. It's a time for travel and relaxation, but also for official ceremonies honoring “model workers” or 劳模 (láomó).

Understanding when to use `劳动` versus `工作 (gōngzuò)` is key.

• Referring to Physical Work: This is the most common use. If you're talking about farming, construction, factory work, or even just heavy-duty spring cleaning, `劳动` is the perfect word.
  • `体力劳动 (tǐlì láodòng)` - Physical Labor
  • `家务劳动 (jiāwù láodòng)` - Household Labor (chores)
• Formal and Abstract Contexts: You will see `劳动` used in formal settings like news reports, legal documents, and academic discussions about economics or sociology.
  • `劳动法 (Láodòngfǎ)` - Labor Law
  • `劳动合同 (láodòng hétong)` - Labor Contract
  • `劳动力 (láodònglì)` - Labor Force / Manpower
• Connotation: The word is almost always positive or neutral. It conveys respect for effort and contribution. When modified by adjectives like `艰苦 (jiānkǔ)` for “arduous,” it describes hardship but still within a respected context.

• Example 1:
• 劳动是光荣的。
• Pinyin: Láodòng shì guāngróng de.
• English: Labor is glorious.
• Analysis: This is a classic, almost slogan-like sentence that perfectly captures the official cultural value placed on `劳动`. You'll see it in propaganda posters and hear it in formal speeches.
• Example 2:
• 他每天在农田里劳动，非常辛苦。
• Pinyin: Tā měitiān zài nóngtián lǐ láodòng, fēicháng xīnkǔ.
• English: He labors in the fields every day; it's very arduous work.
• Analysis: Here, `劳动` is used as a verb to describe the physical act of farm work. The adjective `辛苦 (xīnkǔ)` adds the feeling of toil.
• Example 3:
• 体力劳动和脑力劳动都值得尊重。
• Pinyin: Tǐlì láodòng hé nǎolì láodòng dōu zhídé zūnzhòng.
• English: Both physical labor and mental labor deserve respect.
• Analysis: This sentence clearly illustrates the common distinction made in Chinese between physical (`体力`) and mental (`脑力`) labor.
• Example 4:
• 五月一日是国际劳动节。
• Pinyin: Wǔ yuè yī rì shì guójì Láodòngjié.
• English: May 1st is International Labor Day.
• Analysis: `劳动` is part of the official name for the major holiday, showing its national importance.
• Example 5:
• 周末我做了很多家务劳动，比如洗衣服和打扫房间。
• Pinyin: Zhōumò wǒ zuòle hěnduō jiāwù láodòng, bǐrú xǐ yīfú hé dǎsǎo fángjiān.
• English: On the weekend, I did a lot of household chores, like washing clothes and cleaning the room.
• Analysis: This shows how `劳动` can apply to non-professional work. Using `家务劳动` sounds slightly more formal and comprehensive than just saying `做家务 (zuò jiāwù)`.
• Example 6:
• 签劳动合同以前，一定要仔细阅读条款。
• Pinyin: Qiān láodòng hétong yǐqián, yīdìng yào zǐxì yuèdú tiáokuǎn.
• English: Before signing a labor contract, you must carefully read the terms.
• Analysis: This demonstrates the use of `劳动` in a legal and official context.
• Example 7:
• 这家工厂的劳动生产率很高。
• Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngchǎng de láodòng shēngchǎnlǜ hěn gāo.
• English: This factory's labor productivity is very high.
• Analysis: An example of `劳动` used in an economic context to mean the abstract concept of “labor” as a factor of production.
• Example 8:
• 这是我们辛勤劳动的成果。
• Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen xīnqín láodòng de chéngguǒ.
• English: This is the fruit of our diligent labor.
• Analysis: `辛勤劳动 (xīnqín láodòng)` is a common collocation meaning “hard and diligent labor.” `成果 (chéngguǒ)` means “fruit” or “result.”
• Example 9:
• 《劳动法》保护工人的合法权益。
• Pinyin: «Láodòngfǎ» bǎohù gōngrén de héfǎ quányì.
• English: The “Labor Law” protects the legal rights and interests of workers.
• Analysis: Another legal example, showing `劳动` as the key term for laws governing employment and work conditions.
• Example 10:
• 他从小就热爱劳动，不怕吃苦。
• Pinyin: Tā cóngxiǎo jiù rè'ài láodòng, bùpà chīkǔ.
• English: Since he was young, he has loved to labor and is not afraid of hardship.
• Analysis: `热爱劳动 (rè'ài láodòng)` is a phrase used to praise someone's character, highlighting their strong work ethic and willingness to perform manual tasks. `不怕吃苦 (bùpà chīkǔ)` literally means “not afraid to eat bitterness,” a common idiom for enduring hardship.

• The Golden Rule: `劳动 (láodòng)` vs. `工作 (gōngzuò)`

This is the most critical distinction for a learner. `工作 (gōngzuò)` is the general, neutral term for “work,” “job,” or “occupation.” You use it for almost any profession, especially office jobs. `劳动` refers specifically to physical work or the abstract concept of “labor.”

• Correct: 你做什么工作？ (Nǐ zuò shénme gōngzuò?) - What's your job?
• Incorrect: 你做什么劳动？ (Nǐ zuò shénme láodòng?) - This sounds very strange, as if you're asking “What kind of physical toil do you perform?”
• Correct: 我今天工作很忙。 (Wǒ jīntiān gōngzuò hěn máng.) - I was very busy at work today. (Referring to an office job).
• Awkward: 我今天劳动很忙。 (Wǒ jīntiān láodòng hěn máng.) - This would only make sense if your job was, for example, a mover or construction worker, but even then, `工作` would be more natural.
• False Friend: Childbirth

In English, “labor” is a common term for the process of giving birth. `劳动` has no connection to childbirth. The Chinese term for giving birth or being in labor is 分娩 (fēnmiǎn). Using `劳动` in this context would be a complete misunderstanding.

• 工作 (gōngzuò) - The general term for “work” or “job.” The most common word you'll use to discuss your profession.
• 上班 (shàngbān) - To go to work; to be at work. A colloquial verb for the daily routine of working.
• 体力劳动 (tǐlì láodòng) - A specific compound for “physical labor.”
• 脑力劳动 (nǎolì láodòng) - The direct counterpart to the above: “mental labor.”
• 劳动节 (Láodòngjié) - Labor Day (May 1st), a major holiday in China.
• 劳动力 (láodònglì) - The labor force, workforce, or manpower of a company or country.
• 劳模 (láomó) - A “model worker.” An official title and high honor bestowed upon exemplary workers, often for their contributions through `劳动`.
• 辛苦 (xīnkǔ) - An adjective meaning “hard,” “toilsome,” or “arduous.” It's often used to describe `劳动` and is also a common way to thank someone for their effort (e.g., “辛苦你了!”).
• 加班 (jiābān) - To work overtime. A very common concept in modern Chinese work culture.