慰労

• Reading: いろう
• Romaji: irou
• Kanji breakdown: 慰 (i) — comfort, console, solace; 労 (rō) — labour, toil, work hard
• Pronunciation: /i.ɾoː/

Meaning

Consolation; recognition of hard work; expressing appreciation and comfort to someone who has worked hard or been through hardship.

Refers to the act of comforting or expressing gratitude to someone who has worked hard or endured difficulties. Commonly appears in 慰労会 (a party held to thank hardworking staff or team members) and 慰労の言葉 (words of appreciation or comfort). Carries a slightly formal tone and is used in both workplace and personal contexts.

Examples

1. プロジェクトが完了し、上司が全員を慰労する言葉をかけてくれた。 When the project was completed, the boss said a few words to thank and encourage everyone.
2. 長期入院を終えた父を、家族みんなで慰労した。 After my father was discharged from a long hospital stay, the whole family gathered to show our appreciation for his endurance.
3. 年末の慰労会では、一年間の苦労をねぎらい合った。 At the year-end appreciation party, we all acknowledged each other's hard work over the past year.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, caregiving, social events, medical recovery

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Compound of 慰 (i, comfort/console) and 労 (rō, labour/toil). Together they convey the act of consoling and acknowledging someone for their hard work.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: General