勤劳
How to Understand
勤劳 means 'hardworking' or 'diligent.' It describes someone who works diligently and consistently, often with a strong sense of responsibility and perseverance. Unlike 'hard-working,' which can sometimes imply effort without necessarily reflecting character, 勤劳 emphasizes both effort and moral integrity.
The character 勤 (qín) means 'diligent' or 'hardworking,' while 劳 (láo) means 'to work' or 'labor.' Together, they form a compound that conveys the idea of consistent, dedicated labor, often associated with positive character traits in Chinese culture.
In Chinese society, being 勤劳 is highly valued, especially in family and professional contexts. It is often used to describe people who are reliable, committed, and contribute positively to their community. Related expressions include 勤劳致富 (qín láo zhì fù), meaning 'to become rich through hard work,' and 勤劳朴实 (qín láo pǔ shí), meaning 'diligent and simple.'