労う in 30 Seconds
- Negirau means to thank someone specifically for the effort and labor they put into a task.
- It is a transitive verb commonly used in business and sports to maintain group morale.
- The word implies empathy for the person's fatigue and is usually used by superiors to subordinates.
- It can also mean rewarding oneself or others with a treat or a break after hard work.
The Japanese verb 労う (negirau) is a deeply nuanced term that transcends simple gratitude. While often translated as 'to thank' or 'to reward,' its core essence lies in the recognition of physical or mental labor (労 - rō). To negirau someone is to acknowledge the sweat, the long hours, and the emotional toll they have endured to achieve a goal or perform a duty. It is an act of empathy as much as it is an act of appreciation. In the Japanese social fabric, this word serves as a vital lubricant for relationships, particularly in hierarchical structures where a superior acknowledges the diligence of a subordinate. However, it is not limited to the workplace; it can be used between spouses, teammates, or even toward oneself after a long day of struggle.
- The Kanji Connection
- The character 労 (労 / rō) represents labor, toil, or hardship. When we add the okurigana ‐う to form 労う, we are literally 'laboring over someone's labor.' It implies that the person offering the thanks is taking a moment to sit with the other person's exhaustion.
- Social Directionality
- Crucially, negirau is traditionally used by someone in a higher or equal position toward someone who has worked hard. A boss negirau an employee; a coach negirau their players. Using it toward a superior can sometimes feel 'ue-kara-mesen' (looking down from above), so caution is required in formal settings.
社長は社員たちの苦労を労った。
(The president thanked the employees for their hard work.)
In a modern context, the word is often associated with the phrase 'Otsukaresama,' but negirau is the verb that describes the action of saying it or providing a physical reward like a drink or a meal. It is a word of warmth. It suggests that the speaker sees the effort that went into the task, not just the result. If a project fails, but the team worked tirelessly, a leader will still negirau them to maintain morale and acknowledge their dedication.
母は毎日遅くまで働く父を労っている。
(Mother treats father with appreciation for working late every day.)
When you use this word, you are signaling that you are an observant and compassionate person. You aren't just looking at the bottom line; you are looking at the human being behind the work. This makes negirau an essential verb for anyone moving into the B1/B2 level of Japanese proficiency, where understanding social dynamics becomes as important as grammar. It bridges the gap between formal politeness and genuine human connection.
- Physical Manifestation
- Negirau isn't just words. Taking a colleague out for a beer after a tough deadline is an act of negirai. Giving a small gift to a delivery driver during a heatwave is also negirau. It is the physicalization of 'I see how hard you are working.'
長旅の疲れを労うために、温泉へ行った。
(We went to a hot spring to soothe the fatigue of a long journey.)
Grammatically, 労う (negirau) is a transitive verb (他動詞 - tadōshi), meaning it requires a direct object marked by the particle を (o). The object of the verb is typically the person who performed the labor or the labor/fatigue itself. Understanding these two primary patterns is key to using the word naturally in conversation and writing.
- Pattern A: [Person] を 労う
- This is the most common usage. You are directing your appreciation toward an individual or a group. For example: 'Kare o negirau' (To thank him for his hard work). This form focuses on the human relationship.
- Pattern B: [Effort/Fatigue] を 労う
- In this pattern, the object is the abstract concept of the work or the physical state of being tired. Common objects include kurō (hardship), honeori (pains/efforts), or tsukare (fatigue). For example: 'Kurō o negirau' (To acknowledge the hardships undergone).
優勝した選手たちを労う会が開かれた。
(A party was held to honor/thank the victorious players for their efforts.)
When conjugating negirau, remember it is a Group 1 (u-verb). The stem is negirai-. In formal settings, you will often see the noun form 労い (negirai) used in phrases like 'negirai no kotoba' (words of appreciation). This noun form is incredibly versatile and is frequently paired with verbs like kakeru (to address/offer) or ukeru (to receive).
彼は上司から温かい労いの言葉をかけられた。
(He was offered warm words of appreciation by his boss.)
In writing, negirau is often used in the context of ceremonies, news reports, or formal letters. In speech, while the verb itself is used, the action of negirau is often performed by saying 'Otsukaresama deshita' or 'Gokurōsama.' If you are writing a story, you might describe a character's actions by saying they 'negiratta' their companion after a long journey, which paints a picture of kindness and mutual respect.
- Combining with Other Verbs
- You might see negirai-au (to mutually thank each other for hard work). This is common among teammates after a game or project. It emphasizes the horizontal bond created through shared struggle.
互いの健闘を労い合う。
(To mutually acknowledge each other's brave efforts/fight.)
You will encounter 労う (negirau) in various spheres of Japanese life, ranging from the corporate office to the sports field and even in intimate family settings. It is a word that appears frequently in media when reporting on the conclusion of major events. For instance, after the Olympic Games, news anchors will often say, 'Senshu-tachi no doryoku o negiraitai' (We want to thank the athletes for their efforts).
- In the Corporate World
- This is perhaps the most common 'real-world' application. At the end of a fiscal year or a successful product launch, a manager will host a 'negirai-kai' (appreciation party). You'll hear it in speeches: 'Minasan no jinryoku o kokoro kara negiraimasu' (I sincerely thank you all for your dedicated efforts).
- Sports and Competitions
- Coaches use this word to validate the sweat and tears of their players. Even if a team loses, a coach will negirau the players for their hard work during training. It helps in building resilience and a 'next time' attitude.
監督は、惜しくも敗れた選手たちを優しく労った。
(The coach kindly thanked the players who had narrowly lost.)
In daily life, you might hear it in the context of hospitality. A host might say they want to negirau a guest who has traveled from far away. Here, it takes on a meaning similar to 'treating someone' or 'making someone feel comfortable after their journey.' It is an essential part of 'Omotenashi' (Japanese hospitality).
「今日はお疲れ様。ゆっくり休んでね」と、妻が夫を労う。
("Good job today. Rest well," the wife says, showing appreciation for her husband.)
Furthermore, in literature and drama, negirau is used to highlight a character's nobility or kindness. A king who negirau his soldiers is seen as a 'Meikun' (wise ruler). A protagonist who negirau their rival after a fierce battle shows 'Bushido' (the way of the warrior) spirit. It is a word that carries weight and dignity.
- News and Media
- When a long-serving politician or public figure retires, the media will report that the public or their colleagues 'nagai kan no kurō o negiratta' (thanked them for their many years of hard work).
引退するベテラン選手に、ファンから労いの拍手が送られた。
(The retiring veteran player received a round of applause from fans in appreciation of his career.)
The most significant pitfall with 労う (negirau) is related to social hierarchy and directionality. Because the word implies a 'judgment' or 'evaluation' of someone's effort, it traditionally flows from the 'high' to the 'low.' Using it incorrectly can make you sound unintentionally arrogant or patronizing.
- The 'Superior' Trap
- Never say to your boss, 'Buchō o negiraitai desu' (I want to thank you for your hard work, Manager). Even if your intention is pure, negirau suggests you are in a position to judge their performance. Instead, use 'Kansha no kimochi o tsutaetai' (I want to express my gratitude) or 'Otsukaresama de gozaimasu.'
- Confusion with 'Homeru' (Praise)
- While both involve positive feedback, homeru focuses on the quality of the result ('You did a great job!'), whereas negirau focuses on the process and the burden ('You must be tired from working so hard'). Use negirau when you want to show empathy for their fatigue.
Incorrect: 先生を労う。
(Mistake: 'Negirau' the teacher - sounds like you're their superior.)Correct: 先生に感謝する。
(Correct: To be grateful to the teacher.)
Another common mistake is confusing negirau with kansha suru (to thank). Kansha suru is a general-purpose word for gratitude. Negirau is specific to labor. You wouldn't negirau someone for giving you a birthday present (unless they spent weeks hand-making it and you are acknowledging the effort), but you would negirau them for helping you move house.
× 彼は私を労った。
○ 彼は「お疲れ様」と言って私を労ってくれた。
(The second version is more natural: 'He thanked me for my hard work by saying "Otsukaresama".')
Finally, don't forget the 'u' at the end! It's negirau, not negira-ru. It follows the conjugation pattern of verbs ending in 'u' like kau (to buy) or au (to meet). In the past tense, it becomes negiratta.
- Overusing the Noun Form
- While 'negirai no kotoba' is common, don't use 'negirai' alone as a greeting. You cannot walk up to someone and just say 'Negirai!' You must use the full verb or the specific phrases it describes.
To truly master 労う (negirau), one must understand how it sits alongside other verbs of appreciation. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing gratitude, each with its own specific 'flavor' and social context. Choosing the right one shows a high level of linguistic sophistication.
- 感謝する (Kansha suru)
- The most general term for 'to thank' or 'to be grateful.' It can be used in almost any situation, regardless of hierarchy. Unlike negirau, it doesn't necessarily imply that the person being thanked has worked hard or is tired.
- 褒める (Homeru)
- To praise or compliment. This is focused on the outcome or the ability. 'You are so smart!' or 'This report is excellent!' Negirau is more about 'I know you stayed up late to finish this report.'
- いたわる (Itawaru)
- To treat with care, to be kind to, or to nurse. This is very close to negirau, but it leans more toward care for someone who is weak, injured, or elderly. Negirau is specifically for labor, while itawaru is for well-being.
Comparison:
1. 努力を労う (Acknowledge the effort)
2. 成功を祝う (Celebrate the success)
3. 才能を褒める (Praise the talent)
In a business setting, you might also encounter 慰労 (irō). This is the noun form of 'recognition of services.' It is very formal. A 'irō-kai' is a formal banquet held to recognize people's hard work, often more formal than a 'negirai-kai.'
老体をいたわる。
(To be kind to/care for an elderly body - uses 'itawaru' because it's about physical vulnerability.)
Finally, consider 謝意を表する (shai o hyō suru). This is a very stiff, formal way to express gratitude, often used in written documents or official speeches. While negirau has a warm, human element, shai o hyō suru is purely professional and slightly cold. Use negirau when you want to show that you are moved by someone's dedication.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 労 (rō) contains the element for 'fire' (火) at the top in its older form, symbolizing the heat and energy spent during labor.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it as 'negira-ru' (confusing it with -ru verbs).
- Stressing the 'ra' too heavily.
- Mumbling the 'u' at the end; it should be clearly articulated but short.
- Confusing the 'gi' with a 'ji' sound.
- Failing to rise in pitch after 'ne'.
Difficulty Rating
The kanji is common but the nuance of the verb is specific.
Requires understanding of okurigana and hierarchical context.
Hard to use correctly due to the 'top-down' social direction.
Frequently heard in news and formal contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Transitive Verbs (他動詞)
彼『を』労う。
Honorifics and Social Direction
Using 'negirau' is generally for equals or subordinates.
Noun Formation with Stem
労う (verb) -> 労い (noun).
Compound Verbs with ～合う
労い合う (Reciprocal action).
The particle 'ために' for purpose
労うためにパーティーをする。
Examples by Level
「ありがとう」と言って、友達を労いました。
I said 'thank you' and thanked my friend for their hard work.
Basic past tense 'negiraimashita'.
お母さんはいつも私を労ってくれます。
My mother always appreciates my hard work.
Using '~te kuremasu' for someone doing an action for the speaker.
先生は学生を労いました。
The teacher thanked the students for their hard work.
Subject (Teacher) + Object (Students) + Verb.
「お疲れ様」は人を労う言葉です。
'Otsukaresama' is a word to thank people for their hard work.
Using the dictionary form to describe a noun.
みんなで彼を労いましょう。
Let's all thank him for his hard work.
Volitional form '~mashō'.
父は仕事の後、自分を労いました。
After work, my father rewarded himself.
Reflexive use: 'jibun o negirau'.
犬を労って、お菓子をあげました。
I appreciated my dog's effort and gave him a treat.
Te-form for connecting actions.
彼女は彼の苦労を労いました。
She acknowledged his hardships.
Object is 'kurō' (hardship).
部長が社員の努力を労いました。
The manager thanked the employees for their efforts.
Standard transitive verb usage.
長い旅行の後で、お互いを労い合いました。
After the long trip, we thanked each other for the effort.
Compound verb 'negirai-au' (to do for each other).
母を労うために、料理を作りました。
I cooked a meal to thank my mother for her hard work.
'~tame ni' (in order to).
彼は温かい言葉で私を労ってくれた。
He thanked me with warm words.
'~te kureta' implies the action was a favor to the speaker.
仕事が終わった人を労うのは大切です。
It is important to thank people who have finished their work.
Nominalizing the clause with 'no'.
監督は選手たちの健闘を労った。
The coach acknowledged the players' brave fight.
Abstract object 'kentō' (brave effort).
私たちは彼の成功ではなく、苦労を労いたい。
We want to acknowledge his hard work, not his success.
'~tai' (want to) form.
お茶を飲んで、疲れを労いましょう。
Let's drink tea and soothe our fatigue.
Metaphorical use of 'tsukare o negirau'.
プロジェクトが成功し、社長はチーム全員を労った。
The project was a success, and the president thanked the whole team.
Context of organizational hierarchy.
彼は同僚の労いに感謝した。
He was grateful for his colleague's appreciation.
Noun form 'negirai' used as an object.
忙しい一日を終えた自分を労うために、温泉に行った。
I went to a hot spring to reward myself after a busy day.
Self-care context.
先生は、試験に落ちた学生も優しく労った。
The teacher kindly acknowledged the effort of even the students who failed.
Focus on effort over results.
上司から労いの言葉をかけられると、やる気が出る。
When I receive words of appreciation from my boss, I feel motivated.
Passive structure 'kotoba o kakerareru'.
彼女は夫の毎日の通勤の疲れを労っている。
She shows appreciation for the fatigue of her husband's daily commute.
Continuous form 'negiratte iru'.
大会のボランティアスタッフを労う会が開催された。
A party was held to thank the event's volunteer staff.
Formal event context.
互いの健闘を労い合って、試合は終わった。
The game ended with both sides acknowledging each other's brave efforts.
Reciprocal action 'negirai-au'.
長年の功績を労い、彼に特別賞が授与された。
In recognition of his many years of achievements, a special award was presented to him.
Formal recognition context.
彼女は周囲の労いにもかかわらず、まだ自分を責めていた。
Despite the appreciation from those around her, she was still blaming herself.
Contrasting 'negirai' with internal guilt.
被災地で活動する自衛隊員を、知事が労った。
The governor thanked the Self-Defense Force members working in the disaster area.
Public official context.
忙しすぎて、部下を労う余裕すらなかった。
I was so busy I didn't even have the leeway to thank my subordinates for their hard work.
'~yoyū sura nai' (not even the leeway).
彼のさりげない労いが、チームの雰囲気を変えた。
His casual words of appreciation changed the atmosphere of the team.
Abstract noun 'negirai' as a subject.
定年退職する上司を、部下たちが心を込めて労った。
The subordinates whole-heartedly thanked their retiring boss for his years of service.
Adverbial phrase 'kokoro o komete'.
過酷な環境で働く労働者を労う法律が必要だ。
Laws are needed to protect and recognize the efforts of workers in harsh environments.
Policy/societal context.
親の苦労を労う気持ちを忘れてはいけない。
One must not forget the feeling of appreciation for one's parents' hardships.
Moral/ethical context.
王は帰還した将軍の武功を厚く労った。
The King generously thanked the returning general for his military exploits.
Historical/literary register.
一通の労いの手紙が、絶望の淵にいた彼を救った。
A single letter of appreciation saved him when he was on the brink of despair.
Narrative style.
その政治家は、国民の忍耐を労うどころか、さらなる増税を課した。
Far from acknowledging the people's patience, that politician imposed further tax hikes.
'~dokoro ka' (far from).
伝統芸能の継承者たちは、互いの精進を労い合いながら芸を磨いている。
The successors of traditional arts refine their craft while acknowledging each other's devotion.
Context of lifelong dedication.
看病に明け暮れる家族を労うことも、医師の重要な役割の一つだ。
Acknowledging the efforts of the family members who spend all their time nursing is also an important role of a doctor.
Professional ethics context.
彼は、自分の成功を支えてくれた裏方の人々を労うことを決して忘れなかった。
He never forgot to thank the behind-the-scenes people who supported his success.
Focus on 'urakata' (behind-the-scenes staff).
震災から数年、復興に尽力した人々を改めて労う場が設けられた。
Several years after the earthquake, a venue was provided to once again thank those who exerted themselves for the reconstruction.
Formal public context.
孤独な戦いを続けてきた自分自身を、今夜だけは労ってやりたい。
Just for tonight, I want to reward myself for having continued this lonely battle.
Reflexive/emotional nuance.
その叙事詩は、過酷な運命に抗い続けた民衆の労苦を労う鎮魂歌でもあった。
That epic poem was also a requiem acknowledging the hardships of the people who continued to resist a harsh fate.
High literary/abstract register.
真のリーダーシップとは、部下を叱咤するだけでなく、その心身の疲弊を深く労うことにある。
True leadership lies not only in spurring subordinates on but in deeply appreciating their physical and mental exhaustion.
Philosophical/definitional context.
老練な名匠は、長年使い込んだ道具を労うかのように、丁寧に手入れを施した。
The veteran master craftsman maintained his long-used tools with care, as if thanking them for their service.
Personification of tools.
外交において、相手国のこれまでの譲歩を労う姿勢を見せることは、交渉を円滑に進める鍵となる。
In diplomacy, showing an attitude of acknowledging the other country's past concessions is the key to proceeding smoothly with negotiations.
Diplomatic/strategic context.
彼女の沈黙は、言葉以上に雄弁に、亡き夫の苦闘を労っているように見えた。
Her silence seemed to acknowledge her late husband's struggles more eloquently than words ever could.
Metaphorical/emotional depth.
歴史の波に消えていった無名の開拓者たちの労苦を労う碑が、ひっそりと立っている。
A monument stands quietly, acknowledging the hardships of the anonymous pioneers who vanished into the waves of history.
Historical memory context.
自己犠牲を厭わない彼の生き様を労うには、どのような言葉も軽すぎるように思われた。
Any words seemed too light to acknowledge his way of life, which did not shy away from self-sacrifice.
Expressing the limits of language.
祭りの終わりに、村人たちは互いの奉仕を労い合い、来年の豊作を祈念した。
At the end of the festival, the villagers acknowledged each other's service and prayed for a bountiful harvest next year.
Communal/ritualistic context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To offer words of appreciation. Used when someone verbally acknowledges another's hard work.
彼は落ち込んでいる後輩に労いの言葉をかけた。
— To receive appreciation. Used when someone's effort is recognized by others.
多くの人から労いを受けて、彼は涙を流した。
— A reward for oneself. Common in the context of buying something nice after a hard task.
これは自分への労いとして買った時計です。
— An appreciation party. A gathering held to thank people for completing a project.
今夜はプロジェクトメンバーの労いの会だ。
— Feelings of appreciation. The internal emotion of being grateful for someone's toil.
労いの気持ちを込めて、花束を贈った。
— To acknowledge someone's devotion or diligence in their craft.
師匠は弟子の長年の精進を労った。
— To thank someone for their specific pains or efforts taken for a task.
幹事としての骨折りを労う。
— To never fail to show appreciation. Used for a considerate leader or person.
彼は部下への労いを欠かさない。
— A banquet of appreciation. A more poetic or formal way to say appreciation party.
勝利を祝し、労いの宴が開かれた。
— A drink of appreciation. Usually refers to a beer after work.
仕事の後の労いの一杯は最高だ。
Often Confused With
Kansha is general gratitude; Negirau is specifically for acknowledging labor/fatigue.
Homeru is praising a result or talent; Negirau is empathizing with the effort/process.
Itawaru is caring for someone weak/ill; Negirau is acknowledging someone's work.
Idioms & Expressions
— To thank someone for their labor. This is the standard idiomatic use of the kanji 労.
社員の労をねぎらうためにボーナスを出す。
Formal— To be relieved of a burden. Often the result of someone 'negirau'-ing you.
上司に労われて、ようやく肩の荷を下ろした気がした。
Idiomatic— To lend a hand or make an effort. One might 'negirau' someone who has 'hitohada nuida'.
一肌脱いでくれた彼をしっかり労いたい。
Casual— To take great pains. We 'negirau' the 'honeori' (pains) of others.
骨を折ってくれたスタッフを労う。
Standard— To save face. A leader 'negirau' subordinates to 'kao o tateru' (save their face/honor).
部下の顔を立てるために、公の場で彼らを労った。
Social/Business— To not be criticized behind one's back. 'Negirau' prevents this in a team.
しっかり労っておけば、後ろ指を指されることもない。
Social— To work oneself to the bone. Such effort deserves being 'negirau'-ed.
身を粉にして働いた彼を労う言葉が見つからない。
Empathetic— To add a finishing touch or make more beautiful. 'Negirai' adds 'hana' to a completion.
労いの言葉が、成功に花を添えた。
Literary— To love someone very much (usually children). Parents 'negirau' such children.
目に入れても痛くない孫の頑張りを労う。
Emotional— To feel satisfied or relieved. A proper 'negirai' helps one 'ryūin o sageru'.
認められ、労われたことで、彼は溜飲を下げた。
PsychologicalEasily Confused
Both mean recognizing effort.
Irō is a formal noun/suru-verb used in official contexts; Negirau is a more personal, common verb.
慰労金 (irōkin) vs 労いの言葉 (negirai no kotoba).
Both happen after a success.
Iwau celebrates the victory; Negirau acknowledges the hard work that led to it.
優勝を祝う vs 選手の努力を労う。
Same kanji.
Rō suru means to exert oneself; Negirau means to thank *another* for their exertion.
骨を労する vs 他人の労をねぎらう。
Same kanji/origin.
Itawashii means 'pitiful' or 'pathetic' (archaic); Negirau is a positive act of appreciation.
Modern speakers rarely use itawashii.
Both involve 'soothing' something.
Kuyō is for the spirits of the dead or inanimate objects; Negirau is for the living (usually).
針供養 vs スタッフを労う。
Sentence Patterns
[Person] を 労う
後輩を労う。
[Effort] を 労う
苦労を労う。
[Person] に 労いの言葉をかける
選手に労いの言葉をかける。
自分を労うために [Action]
自分を労うために旅行に行く。
[Person] の [Achievement] を 労う
彼の長年の功績を労う。
互いに [Effort] を 労い合う
互いに健闘を労い合う。
[Noun] の労をねぎらう
スタッフの労をねぎらう。
[Abstract] を 労うかのように [Action]
道具を労うかのように磨く。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in business, sports, and formal journalism; less common in very casual daily slang.
-
Using 'negirau' for a teacher.
→
先生に感謝する (Sensei ni kansha suru).
Teachers are higher in status; 'negirau' sounds like you are evaluating them.
-
Using it for a birthday gift.
→
プレゼントにお礼を言う (Purezento ni orei o iu).
'Negirau' is for labor/effort, not for just receiving a gift.
-
Saying 'negira-ru' instead of 'negirau'.
→
労う (negirau).
It's a Group 1 (u-verb), not a Group 2 (ru-verb).
-
Using 'negirai' as a greeting.
→
お疲れ様です (Otsukaresama desu).
'Negirai' is a noun describing the act; it's not a greeting itself.
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Confusing 'negirau' with 'negiru' (to haggle).
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労う (negirau) vs 値切る (negiru).
They sound similar but 'negiru' is about bargaining for a lower price.
Tips
The Power of Recognition
In Japan, acknowledging someone's 'kurō' (hardship) is often more powerful than a simple 'thank you.' It shows you were paying attention to their struggle.
Transitive Usage
Always remember to use the particle 'o' (を). You are 'negirau'-ing a person or their effort. Pattern: [Person] o negirau.
Mind the Hierarchy
Be careful using this word with people of higher status. It can sound like you are looking down on them. Use 'kansha' instead for superiors.
Noun Form
The noun 'negirai' is very useful. 'Negirai no kotoba' (words of appreciation) is a phrase you should memorize as a set.
Negirau Yourself
Japanese people often use 'negirau' for themselves. It's a healthy way to acknowledge your own hard work and take a break.
Storytelling
In stories, use 'negirau' to show that a character is kind-hearted and observant of others' needs.
Managerial Skill
A manager who can't 'negirau' is often disliked. It's considered a core leadership skill in Japanese corporate culture.
Negirau vs Homeru
Negirau = 'I know you're tired.' Homeru = 'You are good.' Use the former to build deeper emotional bonds.
Ancient Roots
The word originally meant to appease spirits. Think of it as 'soothing' the tired spirit of a worker.
News Keywords
When you hear 'kurō o negirau' on the news, it's usually about a long-serving official or a hero.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'NEGI' (green onion) and 'RAU'. Imagine giving a tired worker a 'NEGI' as a 'RAU'-ward (reward). It sounds silly, but 'Negi' + 'Reward' = 'Negirau'.
Visual Association
Imagine a boss placing a warm hand on a tired employee's shoulder. That physical touch of recognition is the visual essence of 'negirau'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find one person today who is working hard (a cashier, a janitor, a colleague) and 'negirau' them in your mind by acknowledging their specific effort.
Word Origin
The word comes from the root 'negira-', which is related to 'nigi-' (to be lively/flourishing) or possibly 'negi-' (to pray/appease). Historically, it meant to soothe or appease the spirits or people who have exerted themselves.
Original meaning: To appease or soothe someone who has undergone hardship.
JaponicCultural Context
Be careful: Using 'negirau' toward your boss makes you sound like you think you are their boss. Avoid 'negiraitai desu' to superiors.
In English, we often just say 'Good job' or 'Thanks.' We don't have a single verb that specifically means 'to thank for labor' while implying a hierarchical direction.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Workplace
- 部下の労をねぎらう
- 労いの言葉をかける
- 慰労会を開く
- プロジェクトの成功を労う
Sports
- 選手の健闘を労う
- 敗者を労う
- 厳しい練習を労う
- 監督に労われる
Family
- 親の苦労を労う
- 夫/妻を労う
- 自分を労う
- 家事の疲れを労う
Hospitality
- 遠路はるばるの来客を労う
- 旅の疲れを労う
- おもてなしで労う
- 労いの品を贈る
Retirement/Endings
- 長年の功績を労う
- 引退を労う
- 最後の舞台を労う
- 労いの拍手を送る
Conversation Starters
"「最近、誰かを労ったことはありますか？」 (Have you thanked anyone for their hard work recently?)"
"「仕事で疲れた時、どんな言葉で労われたいですか？」 (When you're tired from work, what kind of words of appreciation do you want to hear?)"
"「自分を労うために、週末は何をしますか？」 (What do you do on weekends to reward yourself?)"
"「上司からどんな風に労われると嬉しいですか？」 (How do you like to be acknowledged by your boss?)"
"「日本の『お疲れ様』という文化について、どう思いますか？」 (What do you think about the Japanese 'Otsukaresama' culture?)"
Journal Prompts
今日、一生懸命働いた自分を労う言葉を書いてみましょう。 (Write some words to thank yourself for working hard today.)
最近、あなたの努力を労ってくれた人は誰ですか？その時の気持ちを書きましょう。 (Who recently thanked you for your efforts? Write about how you felt then.)
あなたがリーダーなら、部下をどのように労いますか？ (If you were a leader, how would you show appreciation to your subordinates?)
「結果」よりも「プロセス」を労うことの大切さについて考えてみましょう。 (Think about the importance of acknowledging the 'process' rather than just the 'result'.)
誰かの「苦労」を労うために、どんなプレゼントを贈りたいですか？ (What kind of gift would you like to give to acknowledge someone's 'hardship'?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no. It carries a 'top-down' nuance. Instead, use 'Kansha shite imasu' or 'O-rei o mōshiagemasu.' Using 'negirau' for a superior can seem like you are evaluating their performance, which is impolite in Japanese culture.
While most common in work, it can be used for any effort. You can 'negirau' a friend who drove a long way, or a child who tried hard in a race even if they didn't win. It's about acknowledging any 'toil'.
It is an appreciation party. For example, after a big theater production or a corporate project, the team meets to eat and drink. The goal is to acknowledge everyone's hard work and help them relax.
You can say 'Jibun o negirau.' This often involves doing something relaxing or buying a treat after a period of hard work. For example: 'As a reward for finishing the exam, I'll eat cake' (Shiken ga owatta negirai ni, kēki o taberu).
The verb itself is neutral-formal. You can use it in novels, news, and polite conversation. In very casual speech, people might just say 'Otsukaresama' instead of using the verb 'negirau'.
'Negirau' is for labor and work. 'Itawaru' is for caring for someone's physical or mental state, especially if they are weak, old, or sick. You 'negirau' a worker, but you 'itawaru' an injured person.
Yes, metaphorically. A craftsman might 'negirau' his tools after 50 years of use. This shows a deep sense of gratitude and personification of the tools.
It means 'words of appreciation.' It is a very common phrase used to describe what a leader says to their team after a job is done. Example: 'The manager gave words of appreciation to the staff.'
Constantly. Coaches 'negirau' players after both wins and losses. It is seen as essential for maintaining the players' mental health and motivation.
It is written as 労う. The kanji 労 means labor or toil. The okurigana is ‐う.
Test Yourself 178 questions
Write a sentence using 'negirai no kotoba'.
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Translate: 'I want to thank my teammates for their hard work.'
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Use 'negirau' in a sentence about a mother.
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Translate: 'He thanked me for the long journey.'
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Write a sentence about thanking a volunteer.
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Translate: 'Words of appreciation from the boss.'
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Translate: 'The teacher thanked the students after the exam.'
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Write a sentence about a sports coach.
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Translate: 'Appreciate the parents' hardship.'
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Translate: 'A round of applause of appreciation.'
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Translate: 'The president thanked the staff.'
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Write: 'I want to reward myself tonight.'
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Translate: 'Appreciate each other.'
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Translate: 'Thank the team.'
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Translate: 'Thank the volunteers.'
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Translate: 'I thanked him.'
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Translate: 'Reward yourself.'
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Translate: 'Thank the winner.'
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Translate: 'Thank you for your hard work.' (using verb)
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/ 178 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Negirau is more than 'thank you'; it is 'I see your hard work.' Use it to acknowledge the struggle and sweat behind a result, but remember it traditionally flows from a higher social position to a lower one. Example: 社長は社員を労った (The president thanked the employees for their toil).
- Negirau means to thank someone specifically for the effort and labor they put into a task.
- It is a transitive verb commonly used in business and sports to maintain group morale.
- The word implies empathy for the person's fatigue and is usually used by superiors to subordinates.
- It can also mean rewarding oneself or others with a treat or a break after hard work.
The Power of Recognition
In Japan, acknowledging someone's 'kurō' (hardship) is often more powerful than a simple 'thank you.' It shows you were paying attention to their struggle.
Transitive Usage
Always remember to use the particle 'o' (を). You are 'negirau'-ing a person or their effort. Pattern: [Person] o negirau.
Mind the Hierarchy
Be careful using this word with people of higher status. It can sound like you are looking down on them. Use 'kansha' instead for superiors.
Noun Form
The noun 'negirai' is very useful. 'Negirai no kotoba' (words of appreciation) is a phrase you should memorize as a set.
Related Content
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
