Translation and Meaning of: 過労 - karou

The Japanese word 過労[かろう] is a term that often appears in discussions about health and work in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the culture of the country, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can be very helpful. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is written, and in what contexts it appears in everyday Japanese life.

Additionally, we will explore how 過労 is related to important social issues in Japan, such as the culture of intense work. If you are looking to learn Japanese in a practical way, understanding like this is essential to expand your vocabulary and grasp cultural nuances. Let's get started!

Meaning and translation of 過労

過労 [かろう] is a compound word made up of two kanji: 過 (excess) and 労 (work, fatigue). Together, they convey the meaning of "excessive work" or "extreme fatigue." This expression is often associated with health issues caused by long working hours, a relevant topic in Japanese society.

In Portuguese, the closest translation would be "work overload" or "professional burnout." Unlike simple fatigue, 過労 (karō) implies a chronic state of exhaustion due to an accumulation of hours worked without adequate rest. The term has gained even more visibility in recent years due to cases of "karōshi" (death from overwork).

Origin and Cultural Use

The word 過労 has its roots in post-war Japan, when the country underwent rapid economic growth. During this period, extreme dedication to work became a social value, but it also brought negative consequences. The term began to be used more frequently from the 1980s, when cases of severe burnout caught the media's attention.

Today, 過労 is a widely recognized concept in Japan, often discussed in debates about labor reforms. Companies and the government are trying to combat the problem with measures such as flexible hours and limits on overtime, but the culture of long working hours still persists in many sectors.

How to memorize and use 過労

An effective way to memorize 過労 is to break down its kanjis. The first one, 過, appears in words like 過ぎる (sugiru - to exceed) and 過去 (kako - past). On the other hand, 労 is found in 労働 (roudou - labor) and 疲労 (hirou - fatigue). Associating these radicals with their general meaning makes learning easier.

In conversations, 過労 often appears in formal or journalistic contexts, such as in "過労で倒れる" (fainting due to overwork). It is not a term used casually, but understanding it is important for those who want to comprehend news or discussions about working conditions in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 過度の労働 (kado no roudou) - Excessive work (emphasizes intensity beyond the normal)
• 過度な労働 (kado na roudou) - Excessive work
• 過剰な労働 (kajou na roudou) - Excessive work (emphasizes the abundance of work)
• 過度の疲労 (kado no hirou) - Excessive fatigue (emphasizes the intensity beyond normal)
• 過度な疲労 (kado na hirou) - Excessive fatigue (distinct grammatical form, but with similar meaning)
• 過剰な疲労 (kajou na hirou) - Excessive fatigue (emphasizes the abundance of fatigue)