To toil consistently with heart and effort, often out of love or duty.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To work hard and endure hardship for a long time.
- Often implies sacrifice for family or loved ones.
- Carries a respectful and empathetic tone.
1) 概述：操劳是一个具有情感色彩的动词，不仅指身体上的劳累，更强调为了某种目的（通常是家庭、事业或子女）而长期付出的心血和努力。它带有一种负重前行的意味，常用于表达对他人的感激或对某人生活状态的描述。
2) 用法模式：该词常与“为了”、“为”搭配，引出操劳的对象。它经常出现在主谓结构中，如“他为家里操劳了一辈子”。在句式上，常与时间状语连用，强调过程的持久性。
3) 常见语境：最常用于描述父母对子女的养育，或长辈为家庭建设的付出。在文学或日常谈话中，它常带有同情、敬佩或感伤的语调，用于表达“辛苦了”的意思。
4) 近义词辨析：“操劳”侧重于为了长远目标而付出的心力，强调“心”与“力”的结合；“忙碌”则更侧重于动作上的频繁和时间的紧迫；“奔波”更强调身体上的移动和四处奔走。
Examples
母亲为了这个家操劳了一生。
everydayMy mother toiled for this family all her life.
感谢您多年来为公司的操劳。
formalThank you for your hard work for the company over the years.
别太操劳了，身体要紧。
informalDon't work yourself too hard, health comes first.
他因过度操劳而病倒了。
academicHe fell ill due to overwork.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
操劳过度
Excessive toil
一生操劳
A lifetime of hard work
无需操劳
No need to worry/toil
Often Confused With
Busy refers to having many things to do. Toil (操劳) refers to the hardship and mental effort behind the activity.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is formal and carries a sense of empathy. It is rarely used for simple tasks. It implies a long-term commitment to a cause or person.
Common Mistakes
Students often use it for short-term work. It is not appropriate for daily chores like cleaning a room once. It should be reserved for life-long or significant contributions.
Tips
Focus on the emotional weight
Use '操劳' when you want to emphasize the sacrifice behind the hard work. It is more personal than just saying 'busy'.
Avoid using for trivial tasks
Do not use '操劳' for short-term or minor tasks. It is reserved for significant life efforts.
Filial piety and family
In Chinese culture, acknowledging the '操劳' of parents is a key way to show gratitude and respect.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of '操' (to handle/manage) and '劳' (to exert/toil). It reflects the historical value of hard work in traditional Chinese society.
Cultural Context
Reflects the Confucian value of sacrifice for the family unit. It is a term often used in eulogies or heartfelt letters to parents.
Memory Tip
Think of '操' (handle/operate) + '劳' (labor). It's handling the burdens of life with heavy labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions劳累通常指当下的身体疲惫，而操劳包含心理上的挂念和长期的责任感。操劳往往暗示着为了某人或某事而操心。
可以，但较少用。它更多用于家庭或带有牺牲性质的长期工作，形容职场工作一般多用“忙碌”或“辛勤工作”。
它是一个褒义词，表达了对他人的敬意和认可，承认了对方付出的巨大努力。
可以说“别太操劳了”或“注意身体，不要过度操劳”。
Test Yourself
父母为了我们___了一辈子，我们要学会感恩。
根据句意，父母为了子女付出心血，应选“操劳”。
Score: /1
Summary
To toil consistently with heart and effort, often out of love or duty.
- To work hard and endure hardship for a long time.
- Often implies sacrifice for family or loved ones.
- Carries a respectful and empathetic tone.
Focus on the emotional weight
Use '操劳' when you want to emphasize the sacrifice behind the hard work. It is more personal than just saying 'busy'.
Avoid using for trivial tasks
Do not use '操劳' for short-term or minor tasks. It is reserved for significant life efforts.
Filial piety and family
In Chinese culture, acknowledging the '操劳' of parents is a key way to show gratitude and respect.
Examples
4 of 4母亲为了这个家操劳了一生。
My mother toiled for this family all her life.
感谢您多年来为公司的操劳。
Thank you for your hard work for the company over the years.
别太操劳了，身体要紧。
Don't work yourself too hard, health comes first.
他因过度操劳而病倒了。
He fell ill due to overwork.
