勞

Phono-semantic compound:

力 (“strength, effort”) provides the semantic element, indicating physical exertion.

𤇾 (“lamp, light”) provides the phonetic element, later simplified in form.

Originally depicted working by lamplight—the sense of toiling, exerting effort until weary.

Semantic range:

- to labor, work, exert effort (일하다, 힘쓰다);

- by extension: to trouble, to bother (수고롭게 하다);

- fatigue, weariness (지치다);

- in compounds: “labor, toil, hardship.”

勞動 (노동) — labor, work

功勞 (공로) — merit, service, credit due to effort

慰勞 (위로) — consolation, comfort, to thank for one’s labor

過勞 (과로) — overwork

勤勞 (근로) — diligence, labor

In South Korea, due to 두음 법칙, 勞 is often read 노 at the beginning of words (e.g. 노동, 노고).

In North Korea, the base reading 로 is preserved in all positions (e.g. 조선로동당).

Thus, South Korean usage alternates between “노” and “로” depending on position, while North Korean usage keeps “로” consistently.