cou1 lou4操勞操劳

Jyutpingcou1 lou4

Yalechōu lòuh

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To work very hard; to toil or overwork.

neutralworkhealth

How it's used

Focuses on the physical and mental toll of long-term, diligent effort rather than just being busy. It often carries a sense of sympathy or concern for someone who has sacrificed their health or well-being for a cause or family. While it can be used in formal writing, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to express genuine care for someone's health.

Examples

keoi5佢wai6為zo2咗tau4頭gaa1家cou1操lou4勞zo2咗hou2好do1多nin4年。

He has worked hard for the family for many years.

Common phrases

cou1操lou4勞gwo3過dou6度

to overwork

wai4為jan4人cou1操lou4勞

to work hard for others

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 辛苦, but 辛苦 is a general state of being tired or having a difficult time, whereas 操勞 specifically implies a sustained, heavy workload that leads to exhaustion.