lou4 jik6勞役劳役
Jyutpinglou4 jik6
Yalelòuh yihk
Definition
To force into labor; servitude or forced labor.
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How it's used
This term carries a heavy, serious tone often associated with historical injustice or extreme exploitation. Unlike everyday words for work, it implies a total lack of agency and the presence of coercion. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless describing oppressive conditions or dramatic scenarios.
Examples
They have been forced into servitude for a long time.
Who would dare to force you into servitude?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general terms for working or being busy, as it specifically implies forced labor or slavery-like conditions. Using it to describe a heavy workload at an office will sound overly dramatic or even offensive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
