劳驾
Traditional: 勞駕
láo jià HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

劳驾,请问图书馆在哪儿?
Láojià, qǐngwèn túshūguǎn zài nǎr?
Excuse me, where is the library?
劳驾,请帮我拿一下包。
Láojià, qǐng bāng wǒ ná yīxià bāo.
Pardon me, please help me carry the bag.
劳驾,让我过去一下。
Láojià, ràng wǒ guòqù yīxià.
Excuse me, let me pass through.
劳驾,请让一下。
Láojià, qǐng ràng yīxià.
Excuse me, please move aside.
劳驾,帮我拿书。
Láojià, bāng wǒ ná shū.
Excuse me, help me get the book.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 劳 (láo) means 'labor' or 'toil,' and 驾 (jià) means 'to drive' or 'your honorable self.' Think of it as 'I labor your honorable self' to remember it's a polite way to ask someone to expend effort for you.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is primarily used in spoken language and informal written contexts, such as messages. It is common in daily interactions to politely ask for help, get someone's attention, or make way in crowded places. While polite, it is not overly formal and is widely used across China, especially in northern regions.

📖 Grammar Points

劳驾 is typically used at the beginning of a sentence as an interjection, followed by a request or question. It can stand alone to get attention or be combined with verbs, e.g., 劳驾 + Verb Phrase (劳驾帮我拿一下). It is often followed by 您 for added politeness.

🏯 Cultural Notes

劳驾 reflects Chinese cultural values of politeness and humility in social interactions. It is especially prevalent in northern China, such as Beijing, and using it can show respect and good manners. In southern China, alternatives like 麻烦 are more common, but 劳驾 is still widely understood.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar words include 请问 (qǐngwèn, 'may I ask...') for questions and 麻烦 (máfan, 'to trouble') for requests, but 劳驾 is more polite and traditional, often used in northern China, while 麻烦 is more versatile and common nationwide.

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