Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Labor" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "labor", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
勤労
きんろう (kinrō)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
労力
ろうりょく (rōryoku)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "labor" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 勤労 and 労力.
In Japanese, 勤労 (きんろう (kinrō)) is typically associated with "labor, work, diligence, industry" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents A formal term for working or labor, often emphasizing the value of hard work and diligence. Used in phrases like 勤労感謝の日.
On the other hand, 労力 (ろうりょく (rōryoku)) maps to "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. A literal translation of "labor" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "勤労"
勤労の精神は日本の社会を支えてきた。
The spirit of diligence has supported Japanese society.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: " ＿＿＿ の精神は日本の社会を支えてきた。" (Meaning: "The spirit of diligence has supported Japanese society.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "勤労" fits here because it means "labor, work, diligence, industry" in the context of: "The spirit of diligence has supported Japanese society.". "労力" represents "labor, effort, toil".