Understanding 劳动力 (láodònglì)
劳动力 refers to the workforce or labor force — the people capable of working and providing labor. It is commonly used in economic, social, and industrial contexts to discuss the availability, demand, or characteristics of workers.
Usage and Nuances
This term often appears when talking about employment, economic development, or labor market trends. It emphasizes the human resource aspect rather than machinery or capital.
Common Collocations
- 劳动力需求 (demand for labor force): used when discussing how many workers are needed.
- 劳动力市场 (labor market): the market where labor supply and demand meet.
- 青年劳动力 (young labor force): refers to younger workers, often highlighted in demographic discussions.
Important Notes
劳动力 is a formal term and is often used in written or formal spoken Chinese, such as news reports or academic discussions. It contrasts with 劳工, which can mean laborers or workers but sometimes carries a more manual or lower-skilled connotation.
Avoid confusing 劳动力 with 劳动, which means labor or work itself, while 劳动力 focuses on the people who perform the labor.