Meaning and Usage
"過労" (かろう) specifically refers to excessive work or labor that causes physical or mental strain. It is often used in serious contexts related to health problems caused by working too much.
Common Contexts
This word frequently appears in discussions about workplace health, labor laws, and social issues in Japan, such as "過労死" (death from overwork). It is a formal term and often used in news reports or official documents.
Collocations and Patterns
- 過労死 (かろうし): death caused by overwork, a serious social problem.
- 過労で倒れる (かろうでたおれる): to collapse from overwork.
- 過労が原因 (かろうがげんいん): overwork as the cause.
Usage Notes
When using "過労," the speaker implies a negative health impact due to excessive work. It is not used for general tiredness but for serious exhaustion or strain. Learners should avoid confusing it with simple fatigue words like "疲れ" (つかれ).