labor
[ˈɫa.bɔr]masculine
The English phrase 'work' is translated into Latin as labor.
labor is a masculine noun that encompasses the general idea of work, effort or toil. It specifically emphasizes strenuous effort, toil or hardship, rather than just any general activity.
Meaning: labour, employment, occupation, job (noun)
Which one should you use?
While labor emphasizes the process of strenuous effort and toil, the Latin word opus is a term for "work" that emphasizes the end result or accomplishment.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular genitive form laboris is used to indicate possession or relationship, such as 'the fruit of work'. The dative or ablative plural form laboribus is used when expressing that something is achieved through or for many labors. The verb laborare serves as the infinitive counterpart to the noun, meaning 'to work' or 'to toil'.
Did you know?
- In Roman culture, labor was often viewed as something for slaves or lower classes, whereas 'otium' (leisure) was the prized state for philosophers to do their intellectual 'work'.
- The Latin word labor may be etymologically related to the English word 'sleep'.
- Because labor implies exertion, Romans used it to describe the 'work' of childbirth long before English adopted the term 'labor' for that process.
Examples in context
- Cum amico tuo laboro.I work with your friend.This sentence is useful for practicing the noun labor in a sentence about working with a friend.Tatoeba #1347600 by alexmarcelo, translation #2343110 by kareybh
- Soror tua ubi laborat?Where does your sister work?This sentence shows the use of labor in a question about someone's employment.Tatoeba #5984239 by soweli_Elepanto, translation #6329267 by CarpeLanam
- Nihil agis dum laboro.You do nothing, while I work.This sentence demonstrates the use of labor to contrast one person's activity with another's work.Tatoeba #9682728 by soridsolid, translation #3335860 by _undertoad
- Multum negotii habeo.I have a lot of work to do.
- Pleraque opera confeci.I completed most of the work.
- 93 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Claudia and Gaius are discussing their daily tasks in the city.
- ClaudiaQuid est labor tuus, Gai?What is your work, Gaius?
- GaiusLabor meus est scribere litteras.My work is writing letters.
- ClaudiaEstne labor iste difficilis?Is that work difficult?
- GaiusNon, labor meus est placidus.No, my work is calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “work” translations and entries labor, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries labor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
