劳务 in 30 Seconds
- 劳务 (láowù) is a formal noun meaning 'labor service' or 'service rendered.'
- It is primarily used in business, legal, and economic contexts rather than daily conversation.
- Commonly found in terms like 劳务费 (service fee) and 劳务合同 (labor contract).
- It differs from 劳动 (labor) by focusing on the transaction and service aspect of work.
The term 劳务 (láowù) is a sophisticated noun in Chinese that bridges the gap between simple 'work' and the professional 'provision of labor services.' While a beginner might use 工作 (gōngzuò) to describe a job, a person at the B1 level and beyond uses 劳务 to discuss the technical, legal, and economic aspects of labor as a commodity or a service rendered under a contract. It specifically refers to the human effort—physical or mental—that is 'sold' or 'provided' to another party. Think of it as 'labor-as-a-service.'
- Economic Perspective
- In economic terms, 劳务 represents the intangible product of labor. Unlike a physical product you buy at a store, 劳务 is the act of doing something for someone else, such as a consultant providing advice or a construction crew building a bridge. It is often paired with 'goods' (货物) in trade discussions.
- Legal and Contractual Usage
- When you sign a contract that isn't a full-time employment agreement but rather a specific agreement to perform a task, you are entering a 劳务合同 (láowù hétóng). This is crucial for freelancers, independent contractors, and agencies.
这家公司专门提供海外劳务派遣服务，帮助工人寻找国外的机会。(This company specializes in providing overseas labor dispatch services, helping workers find opportunities abroad.)
You will encounter this word frequently in news reports regarding the 'labor market' (劳务市场) or when discussing 'service fees' (劳务费). It carries a more formal tone than 劳动 (láodòng), which focuses more on the physical act of toiling. If you are paying someone for a one-off professional service, you aren't paying for their 'work' in a general sense; you are paying for their 劳务.
我们需要在合同中明确劳务报酬的支付方式。(We need to clarify the payment method for labor remuneration in the contract.)
- International Context
- China is a major exporter of 劳务. The phrase 劳务输出 (labor export) refers to sending skilled or unskilled workers to other countries to work on infrastructure projects, which is a major part of international cooperation.
Furthermore, the concept of 劳务 is distinct from 'employment' (就业). While employment implies a long-term relationship with benefits and social security, 劳务 can be more transactional. This is why 'labor dispatch' (劳务派遣) is a specific term for when an agency 'loans' workers to another company. Understanding this word is key to navigating the Chinese professional landscape and understanding how the service economy is structured.
Using 劳务 correctly requires pairing it with specific verbs and nouns. It rarely stands alone in casual conversation; instead, it functions as a building block for complex professional terms. Let's look at the primary ways it integrates into Chinese grammar.
- As a Direct Object
- Common verbs that take 劳务 as an object include 提供 (tígōng - to provide), 输出 (shūchū - to export), and 派遣 (pàiqiǎn - to dispatch). For example: '提供优质劳务' (Provide high-quality labor services).
- As an Attributive (Modifier)
- This is perhaps the most common use. 劳务 modifies other nouns to specify that they relate to the provision of labor. Examples include 劳务合同 (labor contract), 劳务费用 (labor costs), and 劳务关系 (labor relationship).
双方达成了一项关于建筑项目的劳务合作协议。(The two parties reached a labor cooperation agreement regarding the construction project.)
When discussing payment, 劳务 is indispensable. In a company's accounting department, you won't just hear about 'paying someone.' You will hear about the 劳务费 (service fee). This term is specifically used for non-employee payments. If you hire a plumber to fix the office sink, the money you pay them is recorded as a 劳务费, not a salary (工资).
政府正在努力规范劳务中介机构的经营行为。(The government is working to regulate the business behavior of labor intermediary agencies.)
In international trade and diplomacy, 劳务 is used to describe the movement of people across borders for work. The phrase '对外劳务合作' (foreign labor cooperation) is a standard term in Chinese government white papers. It implies a high level of organization and legal oversight. If you are writing a business proposal or a formal report in Chinese, using 劳务 instead of 活儿 (huór - casual work) or 劳动 will instantly elevate your register and make you sound more professional and precise.
- Sentence Pattern: Subject + 提供 + 劳务
- Example: 许多农村剩余劳动力向城市提供劳务。(Many surplus rural laborers provide labor services to the cities.)
You are unlikely to hear 劳务 at a dinner table or while hanging out with friends, unless they are discussing their tax returns or business contracts. However, it is ubiquitous in several specific environments in China.
- The Human Resources Office
- HR professionals use this word daily. They talk about 劳务派遣 (labor dispatch) when they hire temporary staff through an agency. They discuss 劳务纠纷 (labor disputes) when there is a legal disagreement between a service provider and a client.
- Banks and Accounting Firms
- When filling out a bank transfer form in China, you might see a category for '劳务费' (labor service fee). Accountants use this to categorize payments made to individuals who are not on the company payroll.
在填写税务申报表时，你需要区分工资收入和劳务所得。(When filling out tax returns, you need to distinguish between wage income and labor service income.)
Another common place is the 'Labor Market' (劳务市场). In many Chinese cities, there are physical locations or digital platforms specifically called 劳务市场 where migrant workers or day laborers go to find short-term contracts. If you see a sign that says '劳务大厅' (Labor Service Hall), it's a place for administrative tasks related to work permits and service contracts.
新闻报道称，该地区的劳务输出量今年增长了百分之十。(News reports state that labor export from this region has increased by ten percent this year.)
You will also hear it in news broadcasts regarding international relations, particularly 'Belt and Road' (一带一路) projects. Analysts often talk about how Chinese 劳务 is helping build infrastructure in Africa or Southeast Asia. In this context, it refers to the collective contribution of the workforce sent abroad. Finally, if you are a freelancer in China, you will definitely hear your clients mention 劳务费 when they ask for your bank details to pay for your services.
Because 劳务 translates to 'labor' or 'service,' learners often confuse it with other work-related terms. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Chinese sound much more natural.
- Confusing 劳务 with 劳动 (láodòng)
- This is the most frequent error. 劳动 refers to the physical or mental act of working (e.g., 'Labor Day' is 劳动节). 劳务 refers to the service as a commercial or legal entity. You do 劳动, but you provide 劳务. You wouldn't say 'International Labor Day' is 劳务节—that would sound like 'International Service Fee Day'!
- Confusing 劳务 with 工作 (gōngzuò)
- 工作 is a general term for 'job' or 'to work.' 劳务 is specific. You can say 'I have a job' (我有工作), but you can't say 'I have a 劳务' unless you mean a specific labor contract (劳务合同). 劳务 is rarely used as a generic synonym for 'employment.'
Incorrect: 我去工厂劳务。(I go to the factory to labor service.)
Correct: 我去工厂劳动。(I go to the factory to work/labor.)
Correct: 我在工厂提供劳务。(I provide labor services at the factory.)
Another mistake is using 劳务 when you mean 'customer service' (服务 - fúwù). While 劳务 is a type of service, it implies the provision of manpower or professional expertise. If you are talking about the quality of service in a restaurant, you must use 服务. Using 劳务 in a restaurant context would imply you are talking about the contract between the waiter and the owner, not the waiter's helpfulness to you.
Finally, be careful with the term 劳务费. Some learners use it for their regular salary. If you are a full-time employee, your pay is 工资 (gōngzī) or 薪水 (xīnshuǐ). 劳务费 is specifically for external contractors or one-off tasks. Getting these mixed up can lead to confusion in financial or legal settings.
To master 劳务, you must understand how it sits within a cluster of similar words. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the act, the person, the job, or the service.
- 劳动 (láodòng) vs. 劳务 (láowù)
- 劳动: Focuses on the physical or mental exertion. It's about the process. (e.g., manual labor, hard work).
劳务: Focuses on the economic value and the provision of that labor to another party. It's about the transaction. - 服务 (fúwù) vs. 劳务 (láowù)
- 服务: A broad term for 'service.' It can be the service at a hotel, a repair service, or public service. It emphasizes the helpfulness or the result.
劳务: A more technical and legal term focusing on the 'labor' aspect of the service. It is used in contracts and economic statistics.
Comparison: 餐厅的服务很好 (The restaurant service is good) vs. 公司需要外包部分劳务 (The company needs to outsource some labor services).
Other related terms include 劳动力 (láodònglì), which means 'labor force' or 'workforce.' This refers to the people themselves as a resource. For example, 'China has a large 劳动力.' In contrast, 劳务 is the service those people provide. There is also 活儿 (huór), which is the colloquial way to say 'work' or 'a task.' If a friend asks what you're doing, you say '接了个活儿' (I took on a job/task), not '我接了个劳务.'
In summary, while these words overlap, 劳务 is your 'professional' and 'economic' choice. It fits perfectly into discussions about outsourcing, international contracts, and service-based business models. By using it correctly, you distinguish yourself as a speaker who understands the nuances of Chinese business culture.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '劳' (láo) originally depicted a lamp over a person's head, suggesting working late into the night. The '力' (strength) radical was added later to emphasize physical effort.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'láo' as third tone (lǎo), which means 'old'.
- Pronouncing 'wù' as second tone (wú), which sounds like 'nothing'.
- Confusing 'wù' with 'wǔ' (five).
- Failing to rise enough on 'láo'.
- Making 'wù' too long; it should be quick and decisive.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize in texts but needs context to distinguish from 劳动.
Requires knowledge of specific professional collocations.
Rarely used in casual speech; requires a formal context to sound natural.
Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with other 'láo' words.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun as Attributive
劳务(Modifier) + 合同(Noun) = 劳务合同
Verb-Object Construction
Examples by Level
这里的劳务市场很有名。
The labor market here is very famous.
劳务市场 (Labor market) is used as a compound noun.
他收到了劳务费。
He received a service fee.
劳务费 (Service fee) is a common term for one-off payments.
劳务合同很重要。
The labor contract is very important.
劳务合同 (Labor contract) is a formal noun phrase.
我们要提供好的劳务。
We need to provide good labor services.
提供 (provide) + 劳务 (labor services).
什么是劳务？
What is labor service?
Simple question structure.
我喜欢这份劳务工作。
I like this labor service job.
劳务 modifies 工作 (job).
他们出口劳务。
They export labor.
出口 (export) as a verb.
请付劳务费。
Please pay the service fee.
Polite request using 请.
公司需要很多劳务人员。
The company needs many labor service personnel.
劳务人员 refers to the people providing the service.
他在寻找劳务机会。
He is looking for labor opportunities.
寻找 (look for) + 劳务机会 (labor opportunities).
这里的劳务费很高。
The service fee here is very high.
Adjective phrase describing the fee.
这是一份劳务协议。
This is a labor agreement.
协议 (agreement) is a synonym for contract in some contexts.
劳务输出对经济有好处。
Labor export is good for the economy.
劳务输出 (labor export) as the subject.
他在劳务中介公司工作。
He works at a labor agency.
劳务中介 (labor intermediary/agency).
我们要签劳务合同吗？
Do we need to sign a labor contract?
Question using 吗.
劳务关系很复杂。
The labor relationship is very complex.
劳务关系 (labor relationship).
我们需要规范劳务市场。
We need to regulate the labor market.
规范 (regulate) as a verb.
劳务派遣可以降低成本。
Labor dispatch can reduce costs.
劳务派遣 (labor dispatch) as a subject.
他因为劳务纠纷起诉了公司。
He sued the company because of a labor dispute.
劳务纠纷 (labor dispute).
劳务报酬需要缴税。
Labor remuneration is subject to tax.
劳务报酬 (labor remuneration).
这家公司专门提供海外劳务。
This company specializes in providing overseas labor.
海外劳务 (overseas labor).
劳务外包越来越流行。
Labor outsourcing is becoming more and more popular.
劳务外包 (labor outsourcing).
合同中规定了劳务范围。
The scope of labor is specified in the contract.
劳务范围 (scope of labor/services).
他主要从事劳务管理工作。
He is mainly engaged in labor management work.
劳务管理 (labor management).
劳务输出是我国对外经济合作的重要组成部分。
Labor export is an important part of our country's foreign economic cooperation.
Formal academic structure.
为了保护劳动者，必须加强劳务立法。
In order to protect workers, labor legislation must be strengthened.
劳务立法 (labor legislation).
劳务所得税的计算方法很专业。
The calculation method for labor service income tax is very professional.
劳务所得税 (labor service income tax).
企业应建立健全劳务保障制度。
Enterprises should establish and improve labor protection systems.
劳务保障 (labor protection/security).
劳务中介机构应承担相应的法律责任。
Labor intermediary agencies should bear corresponding legal responsibilities.
法律责任 (legal responsibility).
当前的劳务市场供需失衡。
The current labor market supply and demand are unbalanced.
供需失衡 (imbalance of supply and demand).
我们需要提高劳务人员的职业技能。
We need to improve the professional skills of labor service personnel.
职业技能 (professional skills).
劳务合作协议已经正式签署。
The labor cooperation agreement has been officially signed.
正式签署 (officially signed).
在全球化背景下，跨境劳务流动日益频繁。
In the context of globalization, cross-border labor movement is increasingly frequent.
跨境劳务流动 (cross-border labor flow).
深化劳务制度改革是当前的重要任务。
Deepening the reform of the labor system is an important task at present.
劳务制度改革 (labor system reform).
劳务密集型产业正面临转型升级的压力。
Labor-intensive industries are facing the pressure of transformation and upgrading.
劳务密集型 (labor-intensive).
法律对劳务关系与劳动关系有明确的界定。
The law has clear definitions for labor service relationships and labor relationships.
明确的界定 (clear definition/delimitation).
劳务输出有助于缓解国内就业压力。
Labor export helps alleviate domestic employment pressure.
缓解 (alleviate/ease).
该政策旨在促进劳务市场的公平竞争。
The policy aims to promote fair competition in the labor market.
旨在 (aim at/be intended to).
劳务派遣员工的合法权益应得到充分保障。
The legitimate rights and interests of dispatched labor employees should be fully protected.
合法权益 (legitimate rights and interests).
我们需要建立多元化的劳务输入机制。
We need to establish a diversified labor input mechanism.
劳务输入 (labor input/import).
劳务价值的评估是服务贸易中的核心难题。
The evaluation of labor value is a core problem in trade in services.
劳务价值 (labor value).
劳务资本化是现代经济发展的一个显著特征。
Labor capitalization is a significant feature of modern economic development.
劳务资本化 (labor capitalization).
政府通过宏观调控来稳定劳务市场预期。
The government stabilizes labor market expectations through macro-control.
宏观调控 (macro-control).
劳务合同的法律性质在司法实践中仍存争议。
The legal nature of labor service contracts is still controversial in judicial practice.
法律性质 (legal nature).
我们需要探讨数字化转型对传统劳务模式的影响。
We need to explore the impact of digital transformation on traditional labor models.
数字化转型 (digital transformation).
在全球价值链中，低端劳务的利润空间不断被压缩。
In global value chains, the profit margins of low-end labor are constantly being squeezed.
低端劳务 (low-end labor).
劳务输出的社会成本与经济效益需进行综合评估。
The social costs and economic benefits of labor export need to be comprehensively evaluated.
综合评估 (comprehensive evaluation).
完善劳务征税体系有助于调节社会收入分配。
Improving the labor taxation system helps regulate social income distribution.
收入分配 (income distribution).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To provide labor services. Used to describe the act of working for a fee.
他向多家公司提供劳务。
— Labor agency or intermediary. A company that connects workers with employers.
他通过劳务中介找到了工作。
— Labor-intensive. Used to describe industries that require many workers.
那是一个劳务密集型产业。
— Income from labor services. A specific tax category.
这笔钱属于劳务所得。
— The physical document of a labor contract.
请在劳务合同书上签字。
— Foreign labor services. Specifically labor sent to other countries.
对外劳务合作正在增长。
— The legal relationship between a service provider and a client.
双方建立了劳务关系。
— Labor service personnel; workers providing specific services.
劳务人员已经到达现场。
— To settle or pay for labor services rendered.
项目完成后，我们将结算劳务。
— A more formal version of 'labor service income.'
劳务报酬所得需缴纳个人所得税。
Idioms & Expressions
— To exert both mental and physical effort. While not using '劳务', it uses the root '劳'.
这件事让他劳心劳力。
Neutral— To get something without working for it. A common idiom about labor.
我们不能有不劳而获的思想。
Formal— To work hard without complaint.
他工作总是任劳任怨。
Praiseworthy— To become rich through hard work.
勤劳致富是我们的传统。
Positive— Distribution according to work/labor. A central economic principle.
我们要坚持按劳分配的原则。
Political/Economic— To work hard but achieve nothing.
没有计划的努力往往是徒劳无功的。
Neutral— To have worked hard and achieved great things.
他在这个项目中劳苦功高。
Praiseworthy— Similar to '徒劳无功', laboring with no result.
如果不讲方法，只会劳而无功。
Neutral— To balance work and rest.
学习要讲究劳逸结合。
Common— Hard and diligent labor. Often used in formal speeches.
向所有辛勤劳动的工人们致敬。
FormalWord Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Lao' as 'Labor' and 'Wu' as 'Work-service'. L-W = Labor Work.
Visual Association
Imagine a worker (劳) holding a contract (务) for a specific task.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain the difference between 劳动 and 劳务 to a friend using only Chinese for the two keywords.
Word Origin
The word is a compound of '劳' (labor/toil) and '务' (affair/business). Its modern use as 'labor service' emerged with the development of modern economic and legal systems in China.
Original meaning: Traditionally, '劳' meant physical toil in the fields, and '务' meant attending to duties. Combined, they described the business of doing work.
Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).Cultural Context
When discussing '劳务派遣' (labor dispatch), be aware that it can be a sensitive topic regarding workers' rights and benefits compared to full-time employees.
In English, we often just say 'services' or 'contract work.' 'Labor service' sounds slightly more technical or bureaucratic than in common English usage.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Signing a freelance contract
- 劳务合同
- 劳务费
- 劳务报酬
- 提供劳务
Discussing international trade
- 劳务输出
- 劳务贸易
- 对外劳务合作
- 跨境劳务
HR and Recruitment
- 劳务派遣
- 劳务外包
- 劳务人员
- 劳务关系
Taxes and Accounting
- 劳务所得
- 劳务费发票
- 结算劳务费
- 扣除劳务费
Legal Disputes
- 劳务纠纷
- 劳务仲裁
- 违法劳务
- 劳务协议
Conversation Starters
"你觉得现在的劳务市场怎么样？ (What do you think of the current labor market?)"
"你们公司有劳务外包的需求吗？ (Does your company have a need for labor outsourcing?)"
"这份劳务合同的条款你看了吗？ (Have you read the terms of this labor contract?)"
"劳务费一般是怎么结算的？ (How is the service fee usually settled?)"
"你对海外劳务输出有什么看法？ (What is your opinion on overseas labor export?)"
Journal Prompts
描述一次你提供劳务的经历，包括你做了什么以及报酬如何。(Describe an experience where you provided labor services, including what you did and the remuneration.)
讨论劳务派遣对现代企业的好处和坏处。(Discuss the pros and cons of labor dispatch for modern enterprises.)
你认为未来的劳务市场会发生什么变化？(What changes do you think will happen in the future labor market?)
解释为什么区分劳动关系和劳务关系很重要。(Explain why it is important to distinguish between employment and labor service relationships.)
如果你可以向另一个国家输出劳务，你会选择哪个行业？(If you could export labor to another country, which industry would you choose?)
Summary
Understanding '劳务' is essential for professional communication in Chinese. It refers to the provision of labor as a service, usually involving a fee (劳务费) and a contract (劳务合同). Example: '公司需要支付这笔劳务费' (The company needs to pay this labor service fee).
- 劳务 (láowù) is a formal noun meaning 'labor service' or 'service rendered.'
- It is primarily used in business, legal, and economic contexts rather than daily conversation.
- Commonly found in terms like 劳务费 (service fee) and 劳务合同 (labor contract).
- It differs from 劳动 (labor) by focusing on the transaction and service aspect of work.
Example
我们需要签订一份劳务合同。
Related Content
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
