操劳 in 30 Seconds
- Toil, labor hard, often for family.
- Implies sacrifice, dedication, and hardship.
- Used for prolonged, strenuous efforts.
The Chinese word 操劳 (cāoláo) is a verb that describes the act of working very hard, often to the point of exhaustion, and implies a significant amount of effort and dedication. It's frequently used to talk about the kind of labor that is physically demanding or involves continuous worry and responsibility, especially when it's for the benefit of others, such as family members. This term carries a connotation of diligence, sacrifice, and often, a life of hard work. It’s not just about being busy; it’s about enduring strenuous effort and often, hardship, for a purpose. Think of parents who have dedicated their lives to providing for their children, or individuals who have poured their energy into building a business or supporting their community through persistent labor. The word emphasizes the toll that such hard work can take on a person, both physically and mentally. It can be used to describe the past, present, or future arduous work. For instance, a farmer might 操劳 all day in the fields, or a mother might 操劳 to ensure her children have a good education. The context usually reveals the depth of the effort and the underlying motivations, which are typically altruistic or driven by a strong sense of duty.
- Etymology
- The character 操 (cāo) originally meant to grasp or hold, and in modern Chinese, it can also refer to operating or managing. In this context, it carries the sense of actively engaging in or undertaking strenuous activity. The character 劳 (láo) directly means labor, work, or toil. Together, 操劳 paints a vivid picture of actively engaging in hard, often tiring, work.
- Usage Nuance
- While 操劳 implies hard work, it's often used with a sense of empathy or admiration for the person doing the work, recognizing the sacrifices involved. It's less about the specific type of job and more about the intensity and duration of the effort. You might hear it used when discussing the hardships faced by older generations or individuals who have overcome significant challenges through sheer hard work.
My parents have 操劳 their whole lives to give me a good upbringing.
She has 操劳 so much in her life.
- Related Concepts
- The concept of 操劳 is deeply intertwined with the cultural value placed on filial piety and the idea of familial responsibility in Chinese society. It reflects a respect for hard work and the sacrifices made by previous generations. It’s also linked to the idea of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
The elderly farmer continued to 操劳 in his fields despite his age.
Using 操劳 (cāoláo) effectively involves understanding its typical contexts and grammatical functions. As a verb, it usually takes a subject and can be followed by an object or a complement. It's often used in sentences that describe someone's life's work, their dedication to their family, or the hardships they have endured. You'll frequently find it in narratives about parents, grandparents, or individuals who have dedicated themselves to arduous tasks. The word can also be used in conjunction with time expressions to indicate the duration of the hard work, such as '一生' (yīshēng - whole life) or '多年' (duōnián - many years). It can also be modified by adverbs that emphasize the degree of effort, like '过度' (guòdù - excessively) or '辛苦' (xīnkǔ - hard, toilsome).
- Basic Sentence Structure
- Subject + 操劳 + (Object/Complement)
- Examples
- - 他一生都在为家庭操劳。 (Tā yīshēng dōu zài wèi jiātíng cāoláo.) - He has toiled his whole life for his family.
- 看着母亲操劳的背影，我心里很难过。 (Kànzhe mǔqīn cāoláo de bèiyǐng, wǒ xīnlǐ hěn nánguò.) - Seeing my mother's toiling back, my heart felt heavy.
- 他为了创业，过度操劳，身体垮了。 (Tā wèile chuàngyè, guòdù cāoláo, shēntǐ kuǎ le.) - He over-toiled for his business, and his health collapsed.
- 这些年，她独自一人操劳，把孩子抚养长大。 (Zhèxiē nián, tā dúzì yīrén cāoláo, bǎ háizi fǔyǎng zhǎngdà.) - These past few years, she has toiled alone to raise the child.
- 农民们日出而作，日落而息，辛勤操劳。 (Nóngmínmen rì chū ér zuò, rì luò ér xī, xīnqín cāoláo.) - Farmers work from sunrise to sunset, toiling diligently.
The phrase 操劳 often appears in contexts describing parental sacrifices.
You can use 操劳 with adverbs like '非常' (fēicháng - very) or '过度' (guòdù - excessively) to emphasize the intensity of the work.
- Verb Complements
- 操劳 can be followed by resultative complements or directional complements, though it's less common. More often, it's used with phrases that describe the purpose or outcome of the hard work.
为了这个家，他没日没夜地操劳。 (Wèile zhège jiā, tā méi rì méi yè de cāoláo.) - For this family, he toiled day and night.
You'll most commonly encounter 操劳 (cāoláo) in everyday conversations, especially when people are discussing family, personal history, or the struggles of life. It's a word that resonates deeply within Chinese culture, which often emphasizes hard work and familial responsibility. Listen for it when people talk about their parents or grandparents, particularly those who came from more challenging economic backgrounds or who dedicated their lives to providing for their children. For example, an adult might reminisce about how their mother 操劳 day and night to send them to school, or how their father 操劳 in the fields to make ends meet. It's also frequently used in informal storytelling, in biographical accounts, and in discussions about societal values. You might hear it in documentaries about rural life, in family dramas on television, or in personal essays shared online. When people express gratitude or admiration for someone's hard work and sacrifice, 操劳 is a natural choice of word. It can also appear in more formal contexts, like speeches or articles that touch upon themes of perseverance and dedication, but its most natural home is in heartfelt, personal narratives. Consider the common scenario of adult children reflecting on the sacrifices their parents made; this is a prime environment for hearing 操劳. It's a word that carries a sense of earned respect and acknowledges the physical and emotional toll of sustained effort. You might also hear it used when people are discussing the challenges faced by small business owners or individuals working in physically demanding professions. The word itself suggests a continuous, demanding effort that has likely left its mark on the person. It’s a term that evokes a sense of empathy and acknowledges the often-unseen efforts that contribute to the well-being of others.
People often use 操劳 when telling stories about their elders' sacrifices.
You'll hear 操劳 in discussions about rural life and the hard work of farmers.
- Media and Literature
- In literature and media, 操劳 is often used to portray characters who have endured hardship and dedicated their lives to a cause or family. It adds depth and realism to their struggles and achievements. For instance, a novel might describe a character who 操劳 their entire youth to support their siblings' education.
It's also common in films or TV shows depicting the lives of working-class families.
When learning to use 操劳 (cāoláo), English speakers might make a few common errors. One is confusing it with words that simply mean 'to work' or 'to be busy.' 操劳 specifically implies hard, often arduous, labor that takes a toll, usually for a noble purpose like family. Simply saying someone 'works hard' might not capture the depth of sacrifice and exhaustion implied by 操劳. Another mistake is overusing it or applying it to situations where the work isn't particularly strenuous or sacrificial. For example, using 操劳 to describe a typical office job, even if it's demanding, might sound exaggerated unless there's a significant element of personal sacrifice involved.
- Mistake 1: Overgeneralization
- Incorrect: 他每天都操劳地工作。 (Tā měitiān dōu cāoláo de gōngzuò.) - He toils hard at work every day. (This sounds like any job requires toiling.)
Correct: 他一生都在为家庭操劳。 (Tā yīshēng dōu zài wèi jiātíng cāoláo.) - He has toiled his whole life for his family. (This implies a lifelong, sacrificial effort.) - Mistake 2: Confusing with 'busy'
- Incorrect: 我今天很忙，需要操劳。 (Wǒ jīntiān hěn máng, xūyào cāoláo.) - I am very busy today and need to toil. (Being busy is not the same as toiling.)
Correct: 看着母亲操劳的背影，我心里很难过。 (Kànzhe mǔqīn cāoláo de bèiyǐng, wǒ xīnlǐ hěn nánguò.) - Seeing my mother's toiling back, my heart felt heavy. (This emphasizes the hardship and sacrifice.) - Mistake 3: Grammatical Errors
- While 操劳 is a verb, learners might incorrectly use it as an adjective or noun without proper grammatical structure. Ensure it functions as an action. For instance, avoid saying '他的操劳' (his toiling) unless in a very specific, formal context; it's more natural as a verb.
Correct Usage: 他为这个家操劳了半辈子。 (Tā wèi zhège jiā cāoláo le bàn bèizi.) - He toiled for this family for half his life.
Remember that 操劳 implies a significant physical or mental toll, not just being busy.
Avoid using 操劳 for light or enjoyable work.
While 操劳 (cāoláo) is unique in its connotation of arduous, often sacrificial labor, several other words describe hard work, each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the most appropriate term.
- 辛苦 (xīnkǔ)
- Meaning: Hardship, toilsome, difficult. This is a very common word used to describe difficult work or life experiences. It can be an adjective or a verb. It's broader than 操劳 and can refer to any kind of difficult effort, not necessarily with the same implication of long-term sacrifice or physical toll.
Comparison: 辛苦 is more general. You can say someone had a 辛苦 day at work, but 操劳 implies a deeper, more prolonged hardship. For example, a parent might 辛苦 to raise a child, but they might 操劳 their entire life for that child. - 劳累 (láolèi)
- Meaning: Tired, weary, fatigued (from work). This word focuses on the state of being tired as a result of work. It's more about the outcome (fatigue) than the act of working itself.
Comparison: 操劳 describes the *action* of working hard, while 劳累 describes the *result* of that hard work. You might 操劳 and then feel 劳累. - 努力 (nǔlì)
- Meaning: To strive, to make great effort, diligent. This is a very general term for putting in effort. It doesn't necessarily imply hardship or sacrifice.
Comparison: 努力 is about putting in effort and striving towards a goal. 操劳 is a specific type of 努力 that involves significant hardship and often sacrifice. You can 努力 to learn a language, but you wouldn't typically 操劳 to learn a language unless it involved extreme difficulties. - 辛勤 (xīnqín)
- Meaning: Industrious, diligent, hardworking. This word is often used as an adverb or adjective to describe someone's hardworking nature. It's similar to 'diligent' in English.
Comparison: 辛勤 describes the quality of being hardworking, often with a positive connotation of dedication. 操劳 describes the act of engaging in that hardworking, often difficult, labor. You can be 辛勤 in your work, and that work might be described as 操劳.
操劳 specifically highlights the toll and sacrifice of hard work.
操劳 often implies a sense of enduring hardship for others.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
While 操 (cāo) can have other meanings like 'to manipulate' or even 'to have sex' in certain contexts, in 操劳, it specifically refers to the active undertaking of strenuous activity. The meaning is heavily influenced by the character 劳 (láo), which unequivocally means work or labor. This combination ensures the meaning is focused on hard work and toil.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the initial 'c' sound: It should be an aspirated 'ts' (like 'ts' in 'cats' with extra air), not a simple 's' or 'ch'.
- Incorrect tones: The first tone on 'cāo' and the second tone on 'láo' are essential for correct pronunciation and meaning.
- Flattening the 'ao' diphthong: It should be a smooth glide from 'a' to 'o', not a single vowel sound.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR B2 level words like 操劳 often appear in texts discussing personal experiences, family history, or societal issues. Understanding its nuanced meaning requires context and awareness of cultural values. Learners will need to differentiate it from more general terms for 'work' or 'effort'.
Using 操劳 correctly in writing requires careful consideration of the context to ensure it conveys the intended meaning of sacrifice and hardship, rather than just general busyness.
When speaking, learners should aim to use 操劳 in contexts where it naturally fits, such as discussing family sacrifices or personal struggles, to sound more authentic and convey the emotional weight of the word.
Recognizing 操劳 in spoken Chinese relies on understanding the context of discussions about hard work, family, and life challenges. Its specific connotation can be missed if only focusing on the literal meaning of 'work'.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using adverbs to modify verbs.
Subject + Adverb + 操劳. Example: 他默默操劳 (Tā mòmò cāoláo) - He toils silently.
Using complements to indicate result or duration.
Subject + 操劳 + 了 + Duration/Result. Example: 她操劳了半辈子 (Tā cāoláo le bàn bèizi) - She toiled for half a lifetime.
Using prepositions to indicate purpose.
Subject + 为 + Purpose + 操劳. Example: 他为家庭操劳 (Tā wèi jiātíng cāoláo) - He toils for the family.
Using conjunctions to link clauses.
Even though..., Subject + 操劳... Example: 即使生活艰难，她也操劳 (Jíshǐ shēnghuó jiānnán, tā yě cāoláo) - Even though life is hard, she still toils.
Using passive voice (less common for '操劳', but possible in certain constructions).
This construction is less natural for 操劳. It's more common to use active voice. However, a related concept might be: '他的健康因过度操劳而受损' (Tā de jiànkāng yīn guòdù cāoláo ér shòusǔn) - His health was damaged due to overwork.
Examples by Level
爸爸很操劳。
Dad is very toiling.
妈妈操劳。
Mom toils.
他操劳。
He toils.
她操劳。
She toils.
农民操劳。
Farmers toil.
工人操劳。
Workers toil.
老人操劳。
The elderly toil.
这个家需要操劳。
This family needs toiling.
我的父母为我们操劳了一辈子。
My parents toiled for us their whole lives.
一生 (yīshēng) means 'whole life'.
他每天都要操劳。
He has to toil every day.
每天 (měitiān) means 'every day'.
看到妈妈操劳的样子，我很难过。
Seeing mom's toiling appearance, I feel sad.
样子 (yàngzi) means 'appearance' or 'look'.
她为孩子操劳。
She toils for her child.
农民操劳在地里。
Farmers toil in the fields.
地里 (dìlǐ) means 'in the field'.
爸爸为了家操劳。
Dad toils for the family.
为了 (wèile) means 'for the sake of'.
这个工作很操劳。
This job is very toilsome.
很 (hěn) means 'very'.
他操劳地工作。
He works toilsomely.
地 (de) is used to connect an adverbial to a verb.
看着父母操劳了一辈子，我决心要让他们过上好日子。
Seeing my parents toil their whole lives, I am determined to let them live a good life.
决心 (juéxīn) means 'to be determined'.
他为了创业，过度操劳，最终病倒了。
In order to start a business, he over-toiled, and eventually fell ill.
创业 (chuàngyè) means 'to start a business'; '最终' (zuìzhōng) means 'eventually'.
这位母亲独自操劳，把三个孩子都培养成了大学生。
This mother toiled alone, nurturing all three children into university students.
独自 (dúzì) means 'alone'; '培养' (péiyǎng) means 'to nurture'.
长期的操劳让他看起来比实际年龄苍老许多。
Long-term toiling has made him look much older than his actual age.
长期 (chángqī) means 'long-term'; '实际年龄' (shíjì niánlíng) means 'actual age'.
她从年轻时就开始操劳，从未抱怨过。
She started toiling from a young age and never complained.
从年轻时 (cóng niánqīng shí) means 'from a young age'; '从未' (cóngwèi) means 'never'.
他们的生活一直很操劳，但他们从未放弃希望。
Their lives have always been toilsome, but they never gave up hope.
一直 (yīzhí) means 'always'; '放弃' (fàngqì) means 'to give up'.
辛勤的农民在田地里操劳，只为收获更好的庄稼。
Diligent farmers toil in the fields, just to harvest better crops.
辛勤 (xīnqín) means 'diligent'; '收获' (shōuhuò) means 'to harvest'.
即使工作再苦再累，他也默默地操劳着。
Even though the work was hard and tiring, he silently toiled.
即使 (jíshǐ) means 'even though'; '默默地' (mòmò de) means 'silently'.
为了支撑这个大家庭，祖母一生都在操劳，几乎没有休息过。
To support this large family, grandmother toiled her whole life, almost never resting.
支撑 (zhīchēng) means 'to support'; '几乎' (jīhū) means 'almost'.
他多年来在艰苦的环境中操劳，练就了坚韧不拔的意志。
He toiled in harsh environments for many years, forging an unyielding will.
艰苦 (jiānkǔ) means 'harsh'; '坚韧不拔' (jiān rèn bù bá) means 'unyielding'.
看到她因操劳过度而日渐憔悴的面容，我深感心疼。
Seeing her increasingly haggard face due to over-toiling, I felt deeply heartbroken.
日渐憔悴 (rì jiàn qiáocuì) means 'increasingly haggard'; '深感心疼' (shēn gǎn xīnténg) means 'deeply heartbroken'.
她的父母年轻时为了生计而操劳，现在终于可以安享晚年了。
Her parents toiled for a living when they were young, and now they can finally enjoy their twilight years.
生计 (shēngjì) means 'livelihood'; '安享晚年' (ān xiǎng wǎnnián) means 'to enjoy one's twilight years'.
尽管社会进步了，但仍有许多人在默默地操劳，支撑着社会的运转。
Although society has progressed, there are still many people silently toiling, supporting the functioning of society.
运转 (yùnzhuǎn) means 'functioning' or 'operation'.
他将毕生精力投入到科研事业中，不辞辛劳地操劳。
He dedicated his life's energy to scientific research, toiling tirelessly.
毕生精力 (bìshēng jīnglì) means 'life's energy'; '不辞辛劳' (bù cí xīnláo) means 'tirelessly'.
这种需要长时间、高强度操劳的工作，对身体的负荷极大。
This type of work, requiring long hours and high-intensity toiling, places a great burden on the body.
高强度 (gāo qiángdù) means 'high-intensity'; '负荷' (fùhè) means 'burden'.
她把所有的空闲时间都用来操劳家务，几乎没有自己的时间。
She used all her free time to toil with housework, having almost no time for herself.
家务 (jiāwù) means 'housework'.
无数父母在不为人知的角落里辛勤操劳，只为给孩子一个更美好的未来。
Countless parents toil diligently in unknown corners, just to give their children a better future.
不为人知 (bù wéi rén zhī) means 'unknown'; '角落' (jiǎoluò) means 'corner'.
他的一生都在为社会进步而操劳，其贡献值得我们永远铭记。
His whole life was spent toiling for social progress, and his contributions are worthy of our eternal remembrance.
社会进步 (shèhuì jìnnbù) means 'social progress'; '铭记' (míngjì) means 'to remember'.
长期在恶劣环境下操劳，不仅磨损了她的身体，也让她变得更加坚强。
Toiling for a long time in adverse environments not only wore down her body but also made her stronger.
恶劣环境 (èliè huánjìng) means 'adverse environment'; '磨损' (mósǔn) means 'to wear down'.
他深知，这种需要精力和心血的操劳，是通往成功的必经之路。
He knew well that this kind of toiling, requiring energy and effort, was the inevitable path to success.
精力 (jīnglì) means 'energy'; '心血' (xīnxuè) means 'effort' or 'hard work'; '必经之路' (bìjīng zhī lù) means 'inevitable path'.
尽管生活艰难，她从未停止为家庭操劳，这种奉献精神令人敬佩。
Despite the hardships of life, she never stopped toiling for her family; this spirit of dedication is admirable.
奉献精神 (fèngxiàn jīngshén) means 'spirit of dedication'.
那些在幕后默默操劳的无名英雄，才是真正值得我们尊敬的人。
Those unsung heroes toiling silently behind the scenes are the ones truly worthy of our respect.
幕后 (mùhòu) means 'behind the scenes'; '无名英雄' (wúmíng yīngxióng) means 'unsung hero'.
他的一生都在为科学研究而操劳，即使年老也未曾停歇。
His entire life was spent toiling for scientific research; even in old age, he never ceased.
年老 (niánlǎo) means 'old age'; '停歇' (tíngxiē) means 'to cease' or 'to rest'.
这种需要付出大量时间和心血的操劳，最终会带来丰厚的回报。
This kind of toiling, which requires a large amount of time and effort, will ultimately bring generous rewards.
付出 (fùchū) means 'to pay' or 'to expend'; '丰厚的回报' (fēnghòu de huíbào) means 'generous rewards'.
他对家庭的操劳，并非出于义务，而是源于一份深沉的爱与责任。
His toiling for his family stemmed not from obligation, but from a deep love and responsibility.
义务 (yìwù) means 'obligation'; '源于' (yuányú) means 'to stem from'.
在那个贫瘠的年代，人们只能依靠辛勤操劳来维持基本生计。
In that impoverished era, people could only rely on diligent toiling to maintain their basic livelihood.
贫瘠 (pínjì) means 'impoverished' or 'barren'; '维持' (wéichí) means 'to maintain'.
她的一生都在为艺术而操劳，将全部心血倾注于创作之中。
Her entire life was spent toiling for art, pouring all her efforts into creation.
倾注 (qīngzhù) means 'to pour into'.
这种日复一日、年复一年的操劳，极大地消磨了他的锐气。
This day-after-day, year-after-year toiling greatly eroded his spirit and drive.
日复一日 (rì fù yī rì) means 'day after day'; '年复一年' (nián fù yī nián) means 'year after year'; '消磨' (xiāomó) means 'to erode' or 'to wear down'.
他并非不知疲倦，只是他明白，唯有持续的操劳才能换来最终的成功。
He is not unaware of fatigue, but he understands that only continuous toiling can bring ultimate success.
唯有 (wéiyǒu) means 'only'.
在那个信息闭塞的时代，他们只能通过艰苦的体力和脑力操劳来获取知识。
In that era of limited information, they could only acquire knowledge through arduous physical and mental toil.
信息闭塞 (xìnxī bìsè) means 'limited information'; '获取' (huòqǔ) means 'to acquire'.
他将毕生的智慧和精力都倾注于这项需要长期操劳的工程。
He poured all his life's wisdom and energy into this project that required long-term toiling.
智慧 (zhìhuì) means 'wisdom'; '工程' (gōngchéng) means 'project' or 'engineering'.
她用一生默默操劳，却从未向任何人索取回报，只为心中那份无私的爱。
She toiled silently her whole life, yet never asked for rewards from anyone, only for that selfless love in her heart.
索取 (suǒqǔ) means 'to demand' or 'to ask for'; '无私' (wúsī) means 'selfless'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To toil for the family. This is a very common expression emphasizing sacrifice and dedication towards one's family members.
父母为儿女操劳了一辈子。
— Toil one's whole life. This phrase indicates a lifelong commitment to hard work and effort, often implying a lack of rest or ease.
他的一生都在为事业操劳，没有享受过多少生活。
— To toil diligently. This emphasizes the industrious and hardworking nature of the labor involved.
农民们辛勤操劳，只为秋天的丰收。
— To overwork, to toil excessively. This highlights the negative consequences of working too hard, often leading to health problems.
他因为过度操劳而病倒了。
— To toil silently. This implies working hard without seeking recognition or complaint, often out of a sense of duty or love.
她总是默默操劳，从不抱怨。
— Toil and worry. This phrase combines the physical aspect of hard work with the mental burden of constant concern.
管理一家大公司非常操劳费神。
— Toiling parents. This is a common description used to refer to parents who have worked very hard for their children.
我们都应该感谢操劳的父母。
— To toil for half a lifetime. Similar to '一生操劳' but implies a significant portion of one's life spent in hard work.
他操劳半生，终于有了自己的事业。
— To fall ill due to overwork/toil. This phrase directly links hard labor to health issues.
他因为常年操劳致病，需要好好休息。
— Years of toil. This refers to a period of one's life characterized by hard work and hardship.
那是他们生命中最操劳的岁月。
Often Confused With
While both refer to hard work, 辛苦 is more general and can mean 'difficult' or 'tiresome'. 操劳 specifically implies a deeper, often prolonged, and sacrificial effort, usually for family or a significant cause, and emphasizes the toll it takes.
努力 means 'to strive' or 'to make effort'. It's about putting in effort towards a goal and doesn't necessarily imply hardship or sacrifice. 操劳 is a specific type of effort that is arduous and often involves personal cost.
劳累 means 'tired' or 'fatigued'. It's the result of hard work, whereas 操劳 is the act of performing that hard work. You 操劳, and then you might feel 劳累.
Idioms & Expressions
— To toil day and night. This idiom emphasizes continuous, round-the-clock hard work, without rest.
为了完成这个项目，他们日夜操劳。
General— To rack one's brains and shed one's blood; to devote one's utmost effort and heart to a task. This is a very strong idiom for putting in immense effort and sacrifice, often intellectual or creative, but can also apply to extreme dedication in any field.
这位教授为教育事业呕心沥血。
Formal/Literary— To endure hardship and suffering. This idiom specifically describes enduring bitter and difficult experiences, often used for parents raising children.
她含辛茹苦地将孩子们抚养成人。
Formal/Literary— To rise early and sleep late; to work tirelessly. This idiom describes someone who works extremely hard from morning till night.
他夙兴夜寐，终于取得了成功。
Formal/Literary— To neglect sleep and forget to eat; to be completely engrossed in work or study. This idiom describes intense focus and dedication to a task.
他为了赶论文，废寝忘食。
General— To bend oneself to the task and exert one's utmost effort until death. This idiom signifies complete devotion and tireless effort until the end.
这位官员一生为民鞠躬尽瘁。
Formal/Literary— To wear stars and carry the moon; to work from dawn till dusk and through the night. Similar to '夙兴夜寐', it emphasizes working very hard and for long hours.
农民们披星戴月地耕作。
General— To bear hardship and criticism without complaint. This idiom describes someone who is willing to do hard work and endure criticism without complaining.
她任劳任怨地承担了所有家务。
General— To bury one's head and work hard; to work diligently and without distraction. This emphasizes focused, hard work.
他埋头苦干，终于完成了项目。
General— A horse not stopping its hooves; to work without stopping, to be constantly busy. This idiom emphasizes continuous activity and busyness.
自从创业以来，他一直马不停蹄。
GeneralEasily Confused
Both relate to hard work and difficulty.
<strong>辛苦</strong> is a broader term for 'hardship' or 'difficult work.' It can describe a single tough task or a generally difficult situation. <strong>操劳</strong>, however, implies a more sustained, often physically or mentally draining, effort that typically involves sacrifice and is frequently directed towards family or a long-term goal. Think of <strong>辛苦</strong> as 'a tough day,' while <strong>操劳</strong> is more like 'a life of dedication and toil.'
他今天的<strong>工作很辛苦</strong>。(Tā jīntiān de <strong>gōngzuò hěn xīnkǔ</strong>.) - His work today was very difficult. (<strong>辛苦</strong>) vs. <strong>他一生都在为家庭操劳</strong>。(Tā yīshēng dōu zài wèi jiātíng <strong>cāoláo</strong>.) - He has toiled his whole life for his family. (<strong>操劳</strong> implies lifelong sacrifice).
Both involve putting in effort.
<strong>努力</strong> means 'to strive' or 'to make great effort.' It focuses on the intention and action of trying hard. <strong>操劳</strong> is a specific *kind* of effort that is characterized by being arduous, often tiring, and frequently involves sacrifice, especially for others. You can <strong>努力</strong> to learn a language, but you <strong>操劳</strong> for your family's well-being.
为了考上大学，他<strong>非常努力</strong>。(Wèile kǎoshàng dàxué, tā <strong>fēicháng nǔlì</strong>.) - To get into university, he <strong>tried very hard</strong>. (<strong>努力</strong>) vs. <strong>父母为了我们的教育操劳</strong>。(Fùmǔ wèile wǒmen de jiàoyù <strong>cāoláo</strong>.) - Parents <strong>toil</strong> for our education. (<strong>操劳</strong> emphasizes the sacrifice and hardship involved in supporting education).
Both are related to work and fatigue.
<strong>操劳</strong> refers to the *act* of working hard, often to the point of exhaustion. <strong>劳累</strong> refers to the *state* of being tired or fatigued as a *result* of hard work. You <strong>操劳</strong> (work hard), and then you might feel <strong>劳累</strong> (tired). <strong>操劳</strong> is the cause, and <strong>劳累</strong> is often the effect.
他<strong>操劳</strong>了一整天，晚上感到很<strong>劳累</strong>。(Tā <strong>cāoláo</strong> le yī zhěng tiān, wǎnshàng gǎndào hěn <strong>láolèi</strong>.) - He <strong>toiled</strong> all day and felt very <strong>tired</strong> at night.
Both describe diligent and hard work.
<strong>辛勤</strong> is often used as an adjective or adverb to describe someone's hardworking nature or the manner of their work ('diligent,' 'industrious'). <strong>操劳</strong> is a verb that describes the *action* of engaging in that hard, often arduous, labor. You can be <strong>辛勤</strong> (diligent) in your work, and that work can be described as <strong>操劳</strong>.
他<strong>辛勤</strong>地工作。(Tā <strong>xīnqín</strong> de gōngzuò.) - He works <strong>diligently</strong>. (<strong>辛勤</strong> describes the manner) vs. <strong>他为这个家操劳</strong>。(Tā wèi zhège jiā <strong>cāoláo</strong>.) - He <strong>toils</strong> for this family. (<strong>操劳</strong> describes the action and its implication of sacrifice).
Both imply a lot of activity and effort, often related to work.
<strong>奔波</strong> specifically means to rush about, to be busy, often involving travel and a lot of movement, usually to make ends meet or achieve a goal. It emphasizes the busyness and the physical act of moving around. <strong>操劳</strong> emphasizes the sustained, arduous nature of the work itself, the effort, and the toll it takes, rather than just the movement or busyness.
他为了生意<strong>四处奔波</strong>。(Tā wèile shēngyì <strong>sìchù bēnbō</strong>.) - He <strong>rushes about</strong> everywhere for his business. (<strong>奔波</strong> highlights the travel and busyness) vs. <strong>他为了生计长期操劳</strong>。(Tā wèile shēngjì chángqī <strong>cāoláo</strong>.) - He <strong>toils</strong> long-term for a livelihood. (<strong>操劳</strong> highlights the sustained, arduous effort).
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 操劳 + 了 + Time Period
妈妈<strong>操劳了</strong>很多年。(Māmā <strong>cāoláo le</strong> hěn duō nián.) - Mom <strong>toiled for</strong> many years.
Subject + 为 + Object + 操劳
他<strong>为</strong>孩子<strong>操劳</strong>。(Tā <strong>wèi</strong> háizi <strong>cāoláo</strong>.) - He <strong>toils for</strong> his child.
Subject + (Adverb) + 操劳 + (Consequence)
他<strong>过度</strong>操劳，<strong>生病了</strong>。(Tā <strong>guòdù</strong> cāoláo, <strong>shēngbìng le</strong>.) - He <strong>over-toiled</strong> and <strong>fell ill</strong>.
看着 + Subject + 操劳 + 的 + Noun, + Emotion
看着妈妈操劳的样子，我心里很难过。(Kànzhe māmā cāoláo de yàngzi, wǒ xīnlǐ hěn nánguò.) - Seeing Mom's toiling appearance, my heart felt sad.
Subject + 一生/多年 + (都) + 在 + (Prepositional Phrase) + 操劳
她<strong>一生都在</strong>为家庭<strong>操劳</strong>。(Tā <strong>yīshēng dōu zài</strong> wèi jiātíng <strong>cāoláo</strong>.) - She <strong>has been toiling for</strong> her family <strong>her whole life</strong>.
Subject + 操劳 + (Manner/Adverb) + (Result/Complement)
他<strong>默默</strong>操劳，<strong>从未抱怨</strong>。(Tā <strong>mòmò</strong> cāoláo, <strong>cóngwèi bàoyuàn</strong>.) - He <strong>toiled silently</strong> and <strong>never complained</strong>.
尽管 + Condition, + Subject + (仍然/也) + 操劳
<strong>尽管</strong>生活艰难，她<strong>仍然</strong>操劳。(<strong>Jíguǎn</strong> shēnghuó jiānnán, tā <strong>réngrán</strong> cāoláo.) - <strong>Despite</strong> life being hard, she <strong>still</strong> toils.
Subject + 将 + (Effort/Energy) + 投入 + 到 + (Task) + 中, + (Description of Toiling)
他将毕生精力<strong>投入到</strong>科研事业中，<strong>艰苦操劳</strong>。(Tā jiāng bìshēng jīnglì <strong>tóurù dào</strong> kēyán shìyè zhōng, <strong>jiānkǔ cāoláo</strong>.) - He poured his life's energy <strong>into</strong> scientific research, <strong>toiling arduously</strong>.
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Common
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Using 操劳 for any type of hard work.
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Using 操劳 for work involving significant sacrifice, hardship, or prolonged effort, especially for family.
操劳 implies a deeper level of toil and sacrifice than just general hard work. It's about the toll the labor takes. Using it for every demanding job can sound exaggerated. For example, '他为了创业过度操劳' (He over-toiled to start his business) is appropriate, but '他今天上班很操劳' (He had a toilsome day at work today) is likely not, unless there were extreme circumstances.
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Confusing 操劳 (cāoláo) with 劳累 (láolèi).
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Understanding that 操劳 is the action of working hard, while 劳累 is the state of being tired as a result.
操劳 is the verb for the act of toiling, while 劳累 describes the feeling of fatigue. You 操劳, and then you feel 劳累. For example, '他操劳了一整天，感到非常劳累' (He toiled all day and felt very tired).
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Ignoring the cultural connotation of sacrifice.
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Recognizing that 操劳 often carries an implication of sacrifice, duty, and dedication, especially towards family.
In Chinese culture, 操劳 is often associated with the sacrifices parents make for their children. Failing to acknowledge this nuance can lead to a less accurate or empathetic use of the word. It's not just about hard work; it's about the purpose and cost of that work.
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Using 操劳 for light or easy tasks.
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Using 操劳 only for tasks that are genuinely arduous, demanding, and potentially exhausting.
操劳 implies significant effort and exertion. Describing a simple or easy task as 操劳 would be incorrect and misleading. For instance, '我操劳了半天终于把这个小玩具组装好了' (I toiled half the day and finally assembled this small toy) would be an overstatement.
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Incorrect pronunciation, especially tones.
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Pronouncing 'cāo' with a first tone and 'láo' with a second tone, and ensuring the aspirated 'c' sound.
The tones are crucial in Mandarin. Mispronouncing the tones on 操劳 can lead to confusion or make the word sound incorrect. The initial 'c' sound is also distinct from 's' or 'ch'.
Tips
Master the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones: 'cāo' is first tone (high and level) and 'láo' is second tone (rising). Incorrect tones can change the meaning or make the word sound unnatural.
Connect to Family
The strongest association for 操劳 is often with parents and grandparents who have worked hard for their families. Use this connection in your memory exercises.
Verb Function
操劳 is primarily used as a verb. Ensure it's placed correctly in your sentences to describe the action of toiling. Common patterns include 'Subject + 操劳' or 'Subject + 为 + Object + 操劳'.
Cultural Resonance
Understand that in Chinese culture, 操劳 is often viewed with respect and admiration for the sacrifices made. Using it appropriately shows an understanding of these values.
Distinguish from Similar Words
Be mindful of the nuances between 操劳, 辛苦, 努力, and 劳累. Choose the word that best fits the specific type and implication of the work being described.
Active Recall
Try to use 操劳 in your own sentences and short paragraphs. The more you actively use it, the more natural it will become.
Listen for Context
When you hear 操劳 in conversations or media, try to identify the surrounding words and the overall situation to grasp its specific meaning in that instance.
Add Detail
When writing, don't just say someone '操劳'. Add details about *why* they toiled, *how long*, and what the *impact* was to make your writing more vivid.
Use in Stories
Practice telling short stories or anecdotes about people who have worked hard, incorporating 操劳 to describe their efforts. This helps build fluency and natural usage.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'cāo' (calling out) for help because they are so 'láo' (old) and tired from working so hard. The image of an old person calling out in exhaustion from labor can help remember the meaning of 'toil'.
Visual Association
Picture a person with deep wrinkles and tired eyes, perhaps with calloused hands, constantly working in a field or a factory. The visual emphasizes the physical toll and the long-term nature of the hard work implied by 操劳.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a situation where someone has worked very hard for their family, using the word 操劳. For example, write a short paragraph about a parent's sacrifices.
Word Origin
The word 操劳 (cāoláo) is a compound word formed by two characters, 操 (cāo) and 劳 (láo). The character 操 originally meant 'to grasp' or 'to hold', and in its development, it came to mean 'to operate', 'to manage', or 'to engage in'. The character 劳 directly means 'labor' or 'work'. Together, they convey the idea of actively engaging in hard, often demanding, work.
Original meaning: The combination suggests actively undertaking labor, implying a degree of effort and engagement that goes beyond simple work.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
The term 操劳 is generally used with respect and empathy. It acknowledges the hardship and sacrifice involved. However, it's important to use it appropriately. Describing someone's work as 操劳 when it is not particularly strenuous or sacrificial could be seen as insincere or even condescending. It's best used when there is genuine recognition of significant effort and hardship.
In English, we might use phrases like 'to work one's fingers to the bone,' 'to toil away,' 'to labor tirelessly,' or 'to make great sacrifices for one's family.' However, 操劳 often carries a more specific cultural nuance of enduring hardship for familial duty that might not be fully captured by single English equivalents.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing family history and parental sacrifices.
- 父母为我们操劳了一辈子。
- 她一生都在为孩子操劳。
- 看着他们操劳的样子，我心里很感动。
Describing the lives of farmers or manual laborers.
- 农民们日夜操劳，只为丰收。
- 他的手因常年操劳而布满老茧。
- 这种工作非常操劳。
Reflecting on personal struggles and hardships.
- 他为创业过度操劳，终于病倒了。
- 那些年，我们都经历了许多操劳。
- 即使生活艰难，她也默默操劳着。
Expressing gratitude or admiration for hard work.
- 感谢您一直以来的操劳。
- 他是一位值得尊敬的操劳者。
- 她的操劳精神令人敬佩。
Talking about the toll of prolonged effort on health.
- 长期操劳对身体不好。
- 他因操劳过度而显得很疲惫。
- 需要避免过度操劳。
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever heard the word '操劳' (cāoláo)? What do you think it means?"
"Can you think of a time when someone in your family had to '操劳' a lot? What did they do?"
"How is '操劳' different from just 'working hard'?"
"What kind of jobs do you imagine would involve a lot of '操劳'?"
"When you hear '操劳', what kind of image comes to your mind?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you or someone you know had to '操劳' for a specific goal. Describe the effort involved and the outcome.
Reflect on the sacrifices your parents or grandparents made. How did they '操劳' for you or the family?
Imagine you are writing a story about a character who has spent their life '操劳'. Describe their daily life and their feelings about it.
Compare and contrast the word '操劳' with other words for hard work you know in Chinese or English. When would you choose to use '操劳'?
Think about the cultural significance of '操劳' in Chinese society. How does it reflect values about family and hard work?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe character 操 (cāo) can mean 'to grasp' or 'to operate', and 劳 (láo) means 'labor' or 'work'. Together, 操劳 implies actively engaging in hard labor or toil, emphasizing the effort and often the sacrifice involved.
While it is very commonly used in the context of family sacrifice, 操劳 can also be used for other significant, arduous undertakings, such as building a business, dedicating oneself to a cause, or engaging in demanding research. However, the connotation of sacrifice and significant effort usually remains.
Generally, no. 操劳 implies a level of hardship, sacrifice, and sustained effort that goes beyond a typical job. Using it for a standard office job might sound exaggerated unless there are specific circumstances involving extreme personal cost or dedication.
辛苦 (xīnkǔ) is a broader term for 'hardship' or 'difficult work' and can refer to a single tough task. 操劳 implies a more prolonged, arduous, and often sacrificial effort, usually with a focus on the toll it takes on the person, particularly for family.
The word 操劳 has been in use for a considerable time, becoming a common and established term in modern Chinese to describe sustained, sacrificial hard work, deeply rooted in cultural values.
While 操劳 implies hardship and effort, it often carries a positive connotation of sacrifice, dedication, and responsibility, especially when used in the context of family. It evokes respect and admiration for the person who endures it.
Try writing sentences about parents' sacrifices, farmers' lives, or people dedicating themselves to a difficult cause. Listen to conversations or media where these topics are discussed to hear how native speakers use it.
Common phrases include '为家庭操劳' (to toil for the family), '一生操劳' (to toil one's whole life), '过度操劳' (to overwork), and '辛勤操劳' (to toil diligently).
There isn't one single perfect English equivalent. Phrases like 'to work one's fingers to the bone,' 'to labor tirelessly,' or 'to make great sacrifices for one's family' capture aspects of it, but 操劳 often carries a specific cultural weight of duty and enduring hardship for loved ones.
Yes, 操劳 can refer to strenuous mental effort or worry, especially when it's prolonged and burdensome, though it often has a stronger association with physical labor. For example, managing a complex project or dealing with constant worries can be described as 操劳费神 (cāoláo fèishén - to toil and worry).
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Summary
操劳 (cāoláo) means to toil or labor hard, usually with a sense of sacrifice and dedication, especially for one's family. It emphasizes the arduous nature of the work and the toll it takes.
- Toil, labor hard, often for family.
- Implies sacrifice, dedication, and hardship.
- Used for prolonged, strenuous efforts.
Context is Key
Remember that 操劳 implies more than just being busy; it suggests significant effort, sacrifice, and often, hardship. Use it when describing work that has taken a toll or has been done out of deep dedication, especially for family.
Master the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones: 'cāo' is first tone (high and level) and 'láo' is second tone (rising). Incorrect tones can change the meaning or make the word sound unnatural.
Connect to Family
The strongest association for 操劳 is often with parents and grandparents who have worked hard for their families. Use this connection in your memory exercises.
Verb Function
操劳 is primarily used as a verb. Ensure it's placed correctly in your sentences to describe the action of toiling. Common patterns include 'Subject + 操劳' or 'Subject + 为 + Object + 操劳'.
Example
母亲一生都在为这个家操劳。
