Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Labor" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "labor", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
労力
ろうりょく (rōryoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
労使
ろうし (rōshi)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "labor" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 労力 and 労使.
In Japanese, 労力 (ろうりょく (rōryoku)) is typically associated with "labor, effort, toil" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the physical or mental effort and hard work required to do something. Often used with verbs like 「かける.
On the other hand, 労使 (ろうし (rōshi)) maps to "labor and management" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to the relationship, negotiations, or conflicts between employees. A literal translation of "labor" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "労力"
そのプロジェクトには多大な労力が必要だ。
That project requires a great deal of effort.
Bilingual Context for "労使"
労使交渉は難航している。
Labor-management negotiations are facing difficulties.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "そのプロジェクトには多大な ＿＿＿ が必要だ。" (Meaning: "That project requires a great deal of effort.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "労力" fits here because it means "labor, effort, toil" in the context of: "That project requires a great deal of effort.". "労使" represents "labor and management".