verb HSK 5
Traditional 效勞
to serve · to be at someone's service · to work for
Meaning
效劳 means to offer one's services or to work for someone, often with a sense of dedication or loyalty. It carries a formal, somewhat deferential tone and is commonly used when speaking about serving an organization, leader, or cause.
Usage
This word has a respectful, formal register and is often used in professional or official contexts. It frequently appears when someone is expressing willingness to serve or work for an organization or person. In modern usage, it can sometimes sound overly formal or old-fashioned in casual conversation.
Examples
- 01我很荣幸能为贵公司效劳。.I am honored to be able to serve your esteemed company.
- 02他在这家企业效劳了二十年。.He has served this enterprise for twenty years.
Characters
Common collocations
- 为...效劳...to serve (someone/something)
- 愿意效劳willing to be of service
- 效劳多年to serve for many years
Antonyms
Origin
效 originally meant to imitate or follow, later extending to mean devoting effort, while 劳 means labor or toil. Together, 效劳 conveys the idea of devoting one's labor or effort in service.