Meaning and Usage
"勤労" (きんろう) refers to labor or diligent work, often emphasizing the effort and dedication involved in working. It is a formal term commonly used in official contexts, such as government documents or formal speeches.
Common Contexts
You will often see "勤労" in phrases like "勤労感謝の日" (Labor Thanksgiving Day), a national holiday in Japan that honors workers' contributions. It also appears in discussions about work ethic and social responsibility.
Collocations and Patterns
- 勤労感謝の日: Labor Thanksgiving Day, a public holiday to appreciate workers.
- 勤労意欲: work motivation or willingness to work.
- 勤労者: worker or laborer.
Usage Notes
"勤労" is more formal and abstract than everyday words like "働く" (to work). It often appears in written language or formal speech rather than casual conversation. Learners should avoid confusing "勤労" with "勤務" (きんむ), which refers more to one’s duty or service at a workplace rather than the act of labor itself.