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B1 noun #4,000 most common 9 min read

labor

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips labor in 30 Seconds

Explanation labor in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'labor' means 'work' or 'task.' It is a feminine word, so you say 'la labor.' You might see it in simple phrases like 'labores de la casa' which means household chores. Even though 'trabajo' is more common for beginners, 'labor' is a good word to recognize when someone is talking about specific things they have to do at home or in a garden. Remember that it ends in '-or' but it is not masculine. You can think of it as a special word for 'a piece of work' rather than just 'going to a job.' It is helpful for describing small tasks you do during the day. For example, 'Mi labor hoy es limpiar' (My task today is to clean). Using 'labor' makes your Spanish sound a little bit more advanced than just using 'trabajo' all the time. Just keep it simple and use it for specific tasks.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'labor' to describe daily routines and specific responsibilities. You will often hear the plural form 'labores' in the context of 'labores del hogar' (housework). This is a very common way to group all the cleaning, cooking, and tidying tasks together. You might also use it to describe a simple job you are doing, like 'la labor en el jardín' (the work in the garden). At this level, you should be careful with the gender agreement—always use feminine adjectives: 'una labor pesada' (a heavy task). You are also likely to encounter it in simple news stories or community announcements, such as 'la labor de los voluntarios' (the work of the volunteers). It helps you distinguish between the place where you work (trabajo) and the actual things you are doing (labor). Try to use it when you want to sound a bit more descriptive about your activities.

At the B1 level, you should understand 'labor' in more formal and professional contexts. This is where you use it to describe 'social work' (labor social) or 'humanitarian work' (labor humanitaria). It is no longer just about chores; it is about an endeavor or a mission. You will see it in newspapers describing the 'labor' of the government or a specific organization. You should also be familiar with collocations like 'desempeñar una labor' (to carry out a task/role). This is a more sophisticated way of saying you are doing your job. At this level, you might also encounter the word in literary texts or more formal speeches where it emphasizes the effort and dedication behind an action. You should be able to distinguish between 'trabajo' (employment) and 'labor' (the specific nature of the work performed). For instance, 'Su trabajo es médico, pero su labor en el hospital es salvar vidas.'

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'labor' to discuss complex social, economic, and political topics. You will use it in phrases like 'el mercado laboral' (the labor market) or 'reforma laboral' (labor reform). Here, 'laboral' is the adjective form, but it is closely tied to the noun 'labor.' You should also understand its use in describing intellectual or artistic work, such as 'la labor literaria de un autor.' At this level, you can use 'labor' to express the quality of an effort—words like 'labor titánica' (a Herculean task) or 'labor incansable' (tireless work) become part of your vocabulary. You should also recognize the difference between 'labor' and 'obra' or 'faena' and choose the most appropriate one based on the register. Your ability to use 'labor' in abstract senses, such as 'la labor de la educación en la sociedad,' shows a high level of proficiency and an understanding of Spanish nuance.

At the C1 level, 'labor' becomes a tool for precise and elegant expression. You will use it to describe the intricacies of professional roles and the historical significance of certain efforts. You might discuss the 'labor diplomática' in a complex international negotiation or the 'labor investigativa' in a scientific breakthrough. At this stage, you should also be aware of the more traditional or archaic meanings, such as 'labor' referring to needlework or embroidery, which might appear in classical literature. You can use 'labor' to create a specific tone in your writing—it can sound noble, clinical, or traditional depending on the context. You should also be adept at using the word in legal or highly formal documents, such as 'la labor de supervisión' in a contract. Your understanding of the word includes its etymological weight and its ability to elevate a sentence from a simple statement of fact to a meaningful description of human effort.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'labor' and all its subtle implications. You can use it in philosophical discussions about the nature of work (la labor humana) or in highly specialized fields like sociology and law. You understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin root 'labor' (meaning toil or suffering) and how that informs its current usage in Spanish. You can effortlessly switch between 'labor,' 'faena,' 'cometido,' and 'quehacer,' choosing the one that perfectly fits the stylistic demands of your discourse. You might use it in a speech to honor someone's life work, calling it their 'labor vital.' You are also aware of regional variations and idiomatic expressions that are less common, and you can interpret 'labor' in complex poetic contexts where it might symbolize the struggle of existence. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible concept that you can manipulate to achieve specific rhetorical effects in both spoken and written Spanish.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

labor in 30 Seconds

Labor is a feminine Spanish noun meaning 'work,' 'task,' or 'endeavor,' often carrying a more formal or specific tone than the common word 'trabajo.'
It is frequently used in contexts like social work (labor social), farming (labores del campo), and domestic chores (labores del hogar).
Grammatically, it is always feminine (la labor), which is a common point of confusion for learners who expect '-or' words to be masculine.
In medical contexts, it refers to childbirth labor (labor de parto), and in traditional settings, it can refer to needlework or embroidery.

The Spanish word labor is a versatile noun that primarily translates to 'labor,' 'work,' or 'task' in English. However, its usage is often more nuanced than the general word trabajo. While trabajo is the go-to term for one's job or the act of working, labor frequently refers to a specific task, a piece of work, or the effort exerted toward a particular goal, often with a connotation of being noble, manual, or meticulous. It is a feminine noun, so you must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as la labor or una labor difícil. In many contexts, it carries a sense of 'toil' or 'endeavor.' For instance, when discussing social work or humanitarian efforts, Spanish speakers almost exclusively use labor to emphasize the dedication and the mission behind the actions.

Agricultural Context: In rural settings, 'las labores' often refers specifically to farming tasks, such as plowing or harvesting. This reflects the word's Latin roots related to physical exertion in the fields.

El campesino comenzó su labor al amanecer, preparando la tierra para la siembra.

Domestic Context: The phrase 'labores del hogar' is the standard way to refer to household chores or domestic work. It sounds slightly more formal or traditional than 'limpiar la casa'.

La labor de la ONG ha sido fundamental para ayudar a los refugiados en la región.

Needlework: In a more specific, traditional sense, 'labor' can refer to embroidery, sewing, or lace-making. A woman might say she is doing her 'labores' while knitting.

Mi abuela siempre pasaba las tardes dedicada a sus labores de ganchillo.

Después de varias horas de labor, el bebé finalmente nació sano.

Es una labor titánica organizar un evento de tal magnitud sin presupuesto.

Understanding the breadth of labor allows you to move beyond basic vocabulary and express the quality and nature of work more accurately. Whether you are describing the 'labor of love' (labor de amor), the 'daily tasks' (labores cotidianas), or the 'social work' (labor social) of a public figure, this word adds a layer of professionalism and specificity to your Spanish.

Using labor correctly requires attention to its gender and the specific collocations it forms. As a feminine noun, you will see it paired with feminine articles: la labor, las labores, una labor, unas labores. When describing the type of work, adjectives must also agree in gender. For example, 'intellectual labor' is labor intelectual and 'manual labor' is labor manual.

Subject of a Sentence: When 'labor' is the subject, it often describes an ongoing effort or a specific mission. 'La labor de los científicos es vital para el progreso.'

Su labor como mediador evitó que el conflicto escalara a mayores.

Direct Object: You can 'perform' or 'carry out' a labor using verbs like realizar, desempeñar, or hacer. 'Ellos realizan una labor admirable en el orfanato.'

El equipo debe continuar con su labor de investigación a pesar de los recortes.

Plural Usage: In the plural, 'labores' often refers to a set of different tasks. 'Las labores de limpieza comenzarán a las ocho.'

Terminé mis labores diarias y ahora puedo descansar un rato.

Reconocieron su labor incansable en favor de los derechos humanos.

La labor docente requiere mucha paciencia y vocación.

When using labor, remember that it elevates the tone of the sentence. If you are talking about just 'going to work,' use ir al trabajo. If you are talking about the 'work performed' by a surgeon during a complex operation, labor is the perfect choice. It emphasizes the skill, effort, and specific nature of the activity. It's also frequently used in news headlines to describe government actions or police work: 'La labor policial permitió la captura de los sospechosos.' This usage highlights the institutional or functional role of the work being done.

You will encounter labor in a variety of settings, ranging from formal news broadcasts to traditional domestic life. In the media, journalists use it to describe the activities of organizations, governments, or public figures. You might hear a news anchor say, 'La labor de rescate continúa en la zona del desastre,' emphasizing the ongoing and difficult nature of the search and rescue efforts. In a professional or academic environment, professors or managers might refer to 'la labor investigativa' or 'la labor administrativa' to categorize different types of professional responsibilities.

In the News: Commonly used for 'humanitarian work,' 'police work,' or 'diplomatic efforts.' It sounds objective and respectful.

El presidente destacó la labor de los médicos durante la crisis sanitaria.

At Home: Older generations or more traditional households might use 'labores' to refer to sewing, knitting, or general housework.

Él dedica su tiempo libre a la labor comunitaria en el barrio.

In Literature: Authors use 'labor' to evoke a sense of toil, destiny, or a life's work. It has a more poetic weight than 'trabajo'.

Toda una vida de labor se reflejaba en sus manos callosas y cansadas.

La reforma busca mejorar las condiciones en el mercado laboral.

Es encomiable la labor que realizas por los animales abandonados.

In summary, labor is the word you hear when the work being discussed is significant, organized, or specific. It is less about the 'grind' of a 9-to-5 job and more about the 'fruit' or the 'process' of purposeful activity. If you are watching a Spanish documentary or reading a newspaper, pay attention to how often they use labor to describe professional achievements or social contributions. It is a key word for anyone wanting to sound sophisticated and precise in their Spanish communication.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with labor is treating it as a direct synonym for 'job' in every context. While you can say 'my job is difficult' (mi trabajo es difícil), saying 'mi labor es difícil' sounds much more formal and implies a specific mission or task rather than just your employment. Another major pitfall is the gender. Many learners assume words ending in '-or' are masculine (like el color or el amor), but labor is a notable exception. It is always la labor.

Gender Confusion: Incorrect: 'El labor de los médicos.' Correct: 'La labor de los médicos.' Always check your articles and adjectives for feminine agreement.

Muchos estudiantes dicen 'el labor', pero lo correcto es siempre femenino.

False Friend: Labor Day: In English, we say 'Labor Day.' In Spanish, the holiday is 'Día del Trabajo' or 'Día de los Trabajadores.' Using 'Día de la Labor' would sound very strange to a native speaker.

No digas 'la labor es barata en este país'; di 'la mano de obra es barata'.

Plural Meaning: Sometimes learners use 'labores' when they just mean 'tasks.' While correct, 'tareas' is often more natural for school or simple office work.

Es mejor decir 'tengo muchas tareas' que 'tengo muchas labores' si hablas de la escuela.

La labor de planchar es aburrida, pero necesaria.

Confundir 'trabajo' con 'labor' es común, pero el contexto formal usualmente pide el segundo.

Lastly, be careful with the English word 'labor' as in 'manual labor force.' If you want to refer to the 'Labor Party' in British politics, it is translated as Partido Laborista, using the adjective form. If you want to say 'child labor,' it is trabajo infantil, not labor infantil, because it refers to the systemic issue of children working. These subtle distinctions are what separate an intermediate learner from a truly proficient speaker.

Understanding the synonyms and alternatives for labor will help you choose the right word for the right situation. While trabajo is the most common, others like tarea, faena, and obra offer specific shades of meaning.

Trabajo vs. Labor: 'Trabajo' is general (job, effort). 'Labor' is specific (task, mission). Use 'trabajo' for your 9-5 and 'labor' for your volunteer project.

El trabajo dignifica, pero la labor social enriquece el alma.

Tarea: This means 'task' or 'homework.' It is more common for short-term, everyday assignments. 'Tengo una tarea de matemáticas.'

Vaya faena me has hecho al llegar tarde; ahora no terminaremos la labor.

Obra: Usually refers to a 'work' in the sense of art, literature, or construction. 'Una obra de arte' or 'una obra en la calle'.

Su gran obra fue la creación de este hospital, una labor de muchos años.

Después de los quehaceres, me dedicaré a mi labor de escritura.

El cometido es otra alternativa formal que significa 'mission' or 'assigned task'.

Comparing these words shows that labor occupies a middle ground between the everyday 'trabajo' and the specific 'tarea.' It implies a sustained effort with a clear purpose. If you are describing the 'work' of a charity, labor is better than tarea because it sounds more significant. If you are describing the 'work' of a mechanic fixing a car, labor works if you want to sound technical, but trabajo is more common. Choosing the right word demonstrates your command of Spanish register and context.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The Latin root 'labor' is also the source of the English word 'laboratory' (a place for work) and 'elaborate' (to work out in detail).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /laˈβoɾ/

US /laˈβoɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable (la-BOR) because it ends in 'r' and has no accent mark.

Rhymes With

amor calor dolor favor honor olor sabor valor temor

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'b' too hard like an English 'b'. In Spanish, between vowels, it is much softer.
Stressing the first syllable (LAborn). It must be laBOR.
Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'. It should be a quick tap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
Using a long 'o' sound. The Spanish 'o' is short and clipped.
Thinking the 'l' is a 'dark l' like in 'ball'. In Spanish, the 'l' is always 'light'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like English, but requires context to understand the specific nuance.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and choosing it over 'trabajo' for higher register.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is straightforward but the stress on the last syllable is important.

Listening 2/5

Easily heard in news and formal contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

trabajo hacer casa campo ayudar

Learn Next

laboral laborioso desempeñar cometido faena

Advanced

exégesis mecenazgo zapa orfebrería pedagogía

Grammar to Know

Feminine nouns ending in -or

La labor, la flor (compared to el amor, el calor).

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

La labor social (not socialo/sociala, but the article is 'la').

Using 'de' to specify type of work

Labor de investigación, labor de limpieza.

Pluralization of nouns ending in a consonant

Labor -> Labores (+es).

Stress on the last syllable for words ending in 'r'

la-BOR.

Examples by Level

La labor en la cocina es difícil.

The work in the kitchen is difficult.

Note the feminine article 'la' with 'labor'.

Tengo una labor para ti.

I have a task for you.

'Una' is the feminine indefinite article.

Su labor es limpiar la mesa.

Their task is to clean the table.

'Su' is a possessive adjective.

Es una labor muy bonita.

It is a very beautiful task.

Adjectives like 'bonita' must be feminine.

Mañana empiezo mi labor.

Tomorrow I start my task.

'Mi' stays the same for masculine and feminine.

Las labores de la casa son muchas.

The household chores are many.

Plural feminine form: 'las labores'.

Me gusta esta labor.

I like this task.

'Esta' is the feminine demonstrative adjective.

La labor de hoy es fácil.

Today's task is easy.

'Fácil' is gender-neutral.

Ella ayuda con las labores del hogar.

She helps with the household chores.

'Labores del hogar' is a common fixed phrase.

La labor en el campo es muy dura.

Work in the fields is very hard.

Use 'dura' (feminine) to describe 'labor'.

Terminamos la labor de pintura ayer.

We finished the painting task yesterday.

'Labor de [noun]' describes a specific type of work.

Es una labor necesaria para el pueblo.

It is a necessary task for the town.

'Necesaria' agrees with 'labor'.

Tu labor es muy importante aquí.

Your task is very important here.

'Importante' is gender-neutral.

Hacemos labores de jardinería los sábados.

We do gardening tasks on Saturdays.

The verb 'hacer' is often used with 'labores'.

La labor de coser requiere tiempo.

The task of sewing requires time.

Infinitive 'coser' follows 'labor de'.

Dividimos las labores entre todos.

We divided the tasks among everyone.

'Entre todos' means among everyone.

La labor social de la iglesia es conocida.

The social work of the church is well-known.

'Labor social' refers to community or charity work.

Él desempeña una labor administrativa.

He performs an administrative role.

'Desempeñar' is a formal verb for 'to perform/carry out'.

La labor de los bomberos fue heroica.

The work of the firefighters was heroic.

'Heroica' agrees with 'la labor'.

Es una labor de equipo lograr la meta.

It is a team effort to achieve the goal.

'Labor de equipo' is 'teamwork' or 'team effort'.

La labor docente es fundamental para el país.

Teaching work is fundamental for the country.

'Docente' is the adjective for 'teaching/educational'.

Continuamos con la labor de investigación.

We continue with the research work.

'Labor de investigación' is common in academic contexts.

Su labor como voluntario es admirable.

His work as a volunteer is admirable.

'Como' means 'as' in this context.

La labor de parto duró diez horas.

The labor (childbirth) lasted ten hours.

'Labor de parto' is the medical term for childbirth labor.

La labor humanitaria salvó muchas vidas.

The humanitarian work saved many lives.

'Humanitaria' is a common adjective for 'labor'.

Es una labor titánica reconstruir la ciudad.

It is a titanic task to rebuild the city.

'Titánica' implies an enormous or extremely difficult effort.

La labor de mediación fue un éxito.

The mediation effort was a success.

'Mediación' refers to conflict resolution.

El gobierno reconoció su labor profesional.

The government recognized his professional work.

'Reconocer' here means to give official credit.

La labor intelectual requiere concentración.

Intellectual labor requires concentration.

'Intelectual' refers to mental or academic work.

Las labores de rescate se suspendieron por la lluvia.

The rescue efforts were suspended due to rain.

'Se suspendieron' is the passive voice.

Su labor incansable dio sus frutos.

Her tireless work bore fruit.

'Incansable' means tireless.

La labor de supervisión es necesaria en la obra.

Supervision work is necessary at the construction site.

'Obra' here refers to a construction site.

La labor diplomática evitó el conflicto armado.

Diplomatic efforts prevented the armed conflict.

'Diplomática' relates to international relations.

Es encomiable la labor que realiza esta ONG.

The work this NGO performs is praiseworthy.

'Encomiable' is a high-level synonym for 'admirable'.

Su labor literaria ha sido traducida a varios idiomas.

Her literary work has been translated into several languages.

'Labor literaria' refers to an author's body of work.

La labor de zapa fue lenta pero efectiva.

The 'undermining' work was slow but effective.

'Labor de zapa' is an idiom for discreet, preparatory work (often to weaken something).

Destacamos la labor pedagógica del profesor.

We highlight the professor's pedagogical work.

'Pedagógica' refers to the science or art of teaching.

La labor de restauración del cuadro tomó años.

The restoration work of the painting took years.

'Restauración' refers to fixing art or buildings.

Se valora mucho la labor de síntesis en este informe.

The synthesis work in this report is highly valued.

'Labor de síntesis' is the effort of summarizing complex info.

La labor de los artesanos es un tesoro cultural.

The work of artisans is a cultural treasure.

'Artesanos' refers to skilled manual workers/artists.

La labor legislativa se prolongó hasta la madrugada.

The legislative work extended until dawn.

'Legislativa' refers to the making of laws.

Su labor exegética sobre el texto es impecable.

His exegetical work on the text is impeccable.

'Exegética' refers to critical interpretation of a text.

La labor de zapa contra el régimen fue constante.

The subversive work against the regime was constant.

Another use of 'labor de zapa' in a political context.

La labor de parto se complicó por la posición del feto.

The labor process became complicated due to the fetus's position.

A highly specific medical usage.

Elogiaron su labor de mecenazgo en las artes.

They praised his work of patronage in the arts.

'Mecenazgo' refers to financial support for the arts.

La labor de campo antropológica requiere inmersión total.

Anthropological fieldwork requires total immersion.

'Labor de campo' is 'fieldwork' in science/social science.

Su labor de concienciación ha cambiado la opinión pública.

Her awareness-raising work has changed public opinion.

'Concienciación' is 'awareness raising'.

La labor de orfebrería en la corona es exquisita.

The goldsmithing work on the crown is exquisite.

'Orfebrería' is the art of working with precious metals.

Common Collocations

labor social

labor humanitaria

labores del hogar

labor docente

labor de parto

labor investigativa

mercado laboral

reforma laboral

labor titánica

labor incansable

Common Phrases

mano de obra

— The workforce or manual labor available.

Necesitamos más mano de obra para la construcción.

labor de zapa

— Discreet work done to undermine or prepare something.

Hicieron una labor de zapa para convencer al jefe.

hacer las labores

— To do the household chores or embroidery.

Mi tía está haciendo las labores en el salón.

en labor de

— In the task or process of doing something.

Estamos en labor de revisión.

labor de campo

— Fieldwork in a scientific or professional sense.

La labor de campo duró tres meses.

fuera de la labor

— Outside of working hours or duties.

Hablamos de eso fuera de la labor.

labor diaria

— Daily work or routine.

Mi labor diaria comienza temprano.

labor de equipo

— Teamwork.

Sin labor de equipo no hay éxito.

labor ardua

— Hard or strenuous work.

Fue una labor ardua pero valió la pena.

labor de oficina

— Office work.

Prefiero la labor de campo a la labor de oficina.

Often Confused With

labor vs trabajo

'Trabajo' is your job/employment; 'labor' is the specific task or endeavor.

labor vs parto

Both can mean childbirth labor, but 'parto' is the actual birth, while 'labor de parto' is the process.

labor vs obra

'Obra' is the result (a work of art); 'labor' is the process of working.

Idioms & Expressions

"labor de chinos"

— A task requiring immense patience and meticulousness.

Ordenar estos archivos es una labor de chinos.

informal

"con la labor a cuestas"

— Carrying the burden of work or tasks.

Siempre va con la labor a cuestas, incluso en vacaciones.

neutral

"manos a la labor"

— Let's get to work (similar to 'manos a la obra').

Hay mucho que hacer, ¡manos a la labor!

neutral

"labor de punto"

— Knitting.

Le gusta hacer labor de punto mientras ve la tele.

neutral

"fruto de la labor"

— The result or reward of hard work.

Este éxito es el fruto de tu labor.

formal

"labor de zapa"

— Hidden work intended to destroy something from within.

La labor de zapa de la oposición fue efectiva.

formal

"perder la labor"

— To waste one's effort or work.

Si no guardas el archivo, vas a perder la labor de hoy.

neutral

"labor de hormiga"

— Slow, constant, and patient work.

Su labor de hormiga permitió ahorrar mucho dinero.

informal

"en plena labor"

— In the middle of working.

Lo pillamos en plena labor de limpieza.

neutral

"labor de retales"

— Patchwork or work made of scraps.

Esta ley parece una labor de retales sin coherencia.

informal

Easily Confused

labor vs labrar

It is the verb related to 'labor'.

'Labor' is the noun (work); 'labrar' is the verb specifically for plowing land or carving stone.

El campesino sale a labrar la tierra.

labor vs laborar

It sounds like 'labor'.

'Laborar' is a formal verb for 'to work', common in Latin America but rare in Spain.

Ellos laboran en una empresa textil.

labor vs elaborar

Contains the root 'labor'.

'Elaborar' means to produce, create, or manufacture something complex.

Tenemos que elaborar un plan de acción.

labor vs laboral

Adjective form of 'labor'.

'Labor' is the noun; 'laboral' describes things related to work (e.g., hours, market).

El horario laboral es flexible.

labor vs laborioso

Adjective form.

'Laborioso' means something that requires a lot of work (laborious).

Es un proceso muy laborioso.

Sentence Patterns

La labor es + adjective

La labor es fácil.

Hacer las labores de + noun

Hago las labores de casa.

Realizar una labor + adjective

Realizan una labor social.

La labor de + infinitive

La labor de investigar es dura.

Destacar por su labor + adjective

Destaca por su labor pedagógica.

Elogiar la labor de + noun

Elogiaron la labor de mecenazgo.

Desempeñar la labor de + noun

Desempeña la labor de director.

Terminar la labor

Ya terminé la labor.

Word Family

Nouns

labor

laboratorio

laboralista

labranza

labriego

Verbs

laborar

elaborar

labrar

colaborar

Adjectives

laboral

laborioso

elaborado

labrado

trabajo

esfuerzo

tarea

oficio

profesión

How to Use It

frequency

Common in formal writing, news, and specific domestic/agricultural contexts.

Common Mistakes

El labor → La labor
Despite ending in -or, 'labor' is feminine. This is one of the most common gender errors for students.
Día de la Labor → Día del Trabajo
The holiday for workers is called 'Día del Trabajo' in Spanish-speaking countries.
Mi labor es un camarero → Mi trabajo es ser camarero
Use 'trabajo' for your job title or occupation. 'Labor' is for the tasks you do.
La labor infantil → El trabajo infantil
The specific term for child labor as a social issue is 'trabajo infantil'.
Labor de parto (for birth itself) → Parto
'Labor de parto' is the process of labor; 'parto' is the actual event of giving birth.

Tips

Gender Alert

Always pair 'labor' with feminine articles like 'la' and 'una'. If you say 'el labor', people will understand you, but it's a clear marker of a learner.

Professionalism

Use 'labor' in your CV or during job interviews to describe your specific contributions. It sounds more impressive than 'trabajo'.

Social Context

When talking about charities or NGOs, always use 'labor social'. It shows respect for the mission of the organization.

Patience

Use 'labor de chinos' to describe a task that requires extreme attention to detail. It's a very common and descriptive idiom.

Variety

Don't repeat 'trabajo' five times in a paragraph. Swap one or two instances with 'labor' or 'tarea' to improve your writing style.

News Keywords

When you hear 'la labor de...', get ready to hear about a person or group's achievements or ongoing projects.

The Soft B

Practice the 'b' in 'labor'. It should be soft, with your lips almost touching but not quite closing, like a very soft 'v' or 'w' sound.

Chores

If someone asks what you did today, and you cleaned the whole house, say 'Hice las labores del hogar' for a more formal/traditional touch.

Job Market

Remember 'laboral' as the adjective. 'Reforma laboral' and 'contrato laboral' are essential terms for living and working in a Spanish-speaking country.

The Lab

Think: 'In the LAB, we do LA labor.' This connects the place (lab), the word (labor), and the gender (la).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'LABORatory' where scientists are doing their 'labor' (work). It sounds almost exactly like the English 'labor,' just remember to make it feminine: 'LA labor'.

Visual Association

Imagine a woman (to remember it's feminine 'la') working in a field or sewing a complex pattern. This links 'labor' to both manual and meticulous work.

Word Web

trabajo tarea esfuerzo oficio meta ayuda hogar campo

Challenge

Try to use 'labor' in three different contexts today: once for a household chore, once for a professional task, and once for a social or charitable action.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'labor', meaning 'toil', 'exertion', 'hardship', or 'fatigue'. Unlike some other Romance languages where the word evolved to mean physical pain, in Spanish, it maintained the sense of productive effort.

Original meaning: Physical effort, toil, or suffering associated with work.

Indo-European > Italic > Latino-Faliscan > Latin > Spanish.

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'labores del hogar' can sometimes sound traditional or gendered, though it remains the standard term for chores.

English speakers often use 'labor' for the workforce or unions. In Spanish, use 'trabajadores' or 'sindicatos' for those concepts.

Día Internacional de los Trabajadores (May 1st, often related to labor rights). Labor Omnia Vincit (Latin phrase 'Work conquers all' used in many mottos). The term 'Laborista' in political contexts (e.g., UK Labor Party).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Social Work

labor social
ayuda humanitaria
voluntariado
sin fines de lucro

Housework

labores del hogar
limpieza
planchado
cocina

Agriculture

labores del campo
siembra
cosecha
arado

Professional

mercado laboral
reforma laboral
labor docente
labor administrativa

Medicine

labor de parto
contracciones
maternidad
obstetricia

Conversation Starters

"¿Qué labor realizas en tu tiempo libre como voluntario?"

"¿Crees que las labores del hogar deberían dividirse equitativamente?"

"¿Cuál ha sido la labor más difícil que has tenido que hacer en tu carrera?"

"¿Cómo ha cambiado el mercado laboral en tu país en los últimos años?"

"¿Qué labor social te parece más importante hoy en día?"

Journal Prompts

Describe una labor que hayas realizado de la que te sientas especialmente orgulloso.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de la labor docente en la sociedad actual.

¿Cómo describirías tu labor diaria en el trabajo a alguien que no conoce tu profesión?

Escribe sobre una labor humanitaria que te gustaría apoyar y por qué.

Imagina que tienes que organizar las labores del hogar en una casa compartida; ¿cómo lo harías?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is always feminine: 'la labor'. This is a common mistake because many nouns ending in '-or' are masculine.

Yes, 'labor de parto' is the correct term, though 'parto' is more frequently used in casual conversation.

'Trabajo' is the general word for job or work. 'Labor' is more specific, formal, and often refers to a particular task or a noble endeavor like social work.

It is 'Día del Trabajo' or 'Día de los Trabajadores.' You do not use the word 'labor' for this holiday.

Yes, in a traditional context, 'las labores' can refer to sewing, knitting, or embroidery.

It is common in phrases like 'labores del hogar,' but for 'I have a lot of work,' native speakers almost always use 'trabajo'.

It is an idiom meaning work done secretly to undermine something or prepare the ground for a change.

Yes, 'labores' is very common, especially when referring to a set of different tasks or chores.

No, 'laborar' is mostly used in Latin America. In Spain, people use 'trabajar'.

It means the 'labor market' or 'job market' in economic terms.