Translation and Meaning of: 労働 - roudou

The Japanese word 「労働」 (roudou) is commonly translated as "work" or "labour" in English. This term delves deeply into concepts of the physical and mental effort involved in performing a job or specific task. The etymology of the word is made up of two kanji characters: 「労」 (rou), which means "hard work" or "effort," and 「働」 (dou), which means "to work" or "movement of work." The first character has the radical 「力」, indicating strength or power, while the second contains the radical 「人」, related to human beings.

「労働」 is not limited to just daily employment routines, but extends to any activity that involves effort, dedication, and application of skills. Historically, the concept of 「労働」 evolved alongside social and economic changes. During the Edo period, for example, the work structure was quite different from what it is today, focused more on sectors such as agriculture and domestic care. With the Meiji Restoration and the subsequent industrialization, however, the meaning of 「労働」 began to embrace new forms of employment in factories and offices, reflecting the increasing complexity of work in modern society.

In contemporary Japanese culture, 「労働」 not only represents an integral part of everyday life but also serves as a key component in the discussion about labor rights and the pursuit of a healthy work-life balance. Union movements and debates about mental health in the workplace frequently use the word 「労働」 to articulate their claims. Furthermore, the notion of 「労働者」 (roudousha), which means "worker," adds an important social dimension to the word, emphasizing the individuals who make up the workforce and their rights and responsibilities.

Variations and Expansions of the Concept:

• 「労働時間」 (roudou jikan) refers to "working hours".
• "労働条件" (roudou jouken) are the "working conditions".
• 「労働環境」 (roudou kankyou) addresses the "work environment".
• The "労働基準法" (roudou kijunhou) is the "Labor Standards Act" of Japan, essential for regulating the rights of workers.

Interestingly, the concept of 「労働」 also intertwines with cultural practices, such as the act of "oirônashi" (負荷無) where employers express appreciation for their employees' efforts, reflecting a balance between the value of human effort and its reward. By understanding the meaning and evolution of 「労働」, we can appreciate not only the importance of work itself but also the rich and dynamic culture that surrounds this concept in Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 努力 (Doryoku) - Effort, dedication to achieve a goal.
• 勤務 (Kinmu) - Service, work in a specific role or position.
• 努める (Tsutomeru) - To strive, to dedicate oneself to a task or responsibility.
• 仕事 (Shigoto) - Work, professional activity, or occupation.
• 働く (Hataku) - To work, to perform an activity in exchange for compensation.
• 職業 (Shokugyō) - Profession, occupation, or career of a person.
• 労わる (Itawaru) - To care, to be concerned about the well-being of others.
• 雇用 (Koyou) - Employment, hiring of workers for services.
• 勤労 (Kinrō) - Hard work, continuous effort in the work context.
• 勤める (Tsutomeru) - Serve in a certain position or job.