Meaning and Usage
The word '操劳' (cāo láo) means to work hard or to toil, often implying sustained effort and sometimes physical or emotional hardship. It is commonly used to describe someone who diligently manages responsibilities, especially in family or work contexts.
Common Contexts
'操劳' often appears when talking about caring for family members, managing household duties, or enduring long-term work. It carries a tone of respect or sympathy for the person's effort.
Collocations and Patterns
- 操劳家庭 (cāoláo jiātíng): to work hard for the family
- 操劳一辈子 (cāoláo yíbèizi): to toil all one's life
- 操劳身体 (cāoláo shēntǐ): to exhaust oneself physically
These collocations emphasize the sustained and sometimes burdensome nature of the work.
Nuances
While '操劳' highlights hard work, it often implies a sense of sacrifice or fatigue. It is more formal and literary than casual words like '忙' (busy) or '工作' (work). Avoid using it for trivial tasks.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse '操劳' with '操纵' (to manipulate) or '操控' (to control). '操劳' specifically relates to hard work and effort, not control or operation.