lou4 luk1勞碌劳碌
Jyutpinglou4 luk1
Yalelòuh lūk
Definition
Busy and tiring; to toil or work hard.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Describes a state of constant, often wearisome activity that feels like a life pattern rather than just a busy day. It carries a slightly sympathetic or lamenting tone, implying that the person is working hard out of necessity or habit. Often used to describe someone who cannot sit still or feels uncomfortable when not occupied.
Examples
He has been toiling his whole life, it really has been exhausting.
Why are you working yourself so hard? Take a break first.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a simple task or a short-term busy schedule. It implies a deeper, more persistent state of toiling, so it sounds unnatural when applied to a single afternoon of work.
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.
