労働する
to work彼は毎日8時間労働する。
He works eight hours every day.
To perform physical or mental work as an employee or laborer, often for wages.
彼女は工場で労働する。
She works in a factory.
労働条件を改善する必要がある。
We need to improve working conditions.
Commonly used in formal contexts like labor laws, employment contracts, or discussions about work conditions.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Work Verbs
労働する is formal and used in professional or legal contexts. For casual situations, use 働く (hataraku) or 仕事する (shigoto suru). Example: 今日も一生懸命働く!(I'll work hard today!)
Gold Rule
When to Use 労働する
Use 労働する when discussing labor laws, working conditions, or formal employment. Avoid using it in casual conversations about daily work.
Word Origin
From the noun 労働 (rōdō, 'labor/work') + する (suru, 'to do'). 労働 combines 労 (rō, 'labor/toil') and 働 (dō, 'work'), both sharing the concept of exertion.
Usage Notes
労働する is more formal than 働く or 仕事する. It is often used in legal, economic, or sociological contexts rather than casual conversation. In everyday speech, 働く is preferred.