Translation guide
Physical work done by hand, often contrasted with mental or automated work. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 肉体労働 (nikutai roudou), but other terms exist depending on context.
To refer to manual or physical labor in a broad sense, often in contrast to desk work or intellectual work.
The standard term for manual labor, emphasizing physical exertion. Commonly used in job descriptions and everyday conversation.
He makes a living through manual labour.
Manual labour can sometimes be mentally easier.
Literally 'strength work', this is a more casual term for heavy physical labor. Often used in daily speech.
Moving house is manual labour.
Refers to work done by hand, often in contrast to machine work. Can imply craftsmanship or manual dexterity.
This craftwork is all made by manual labour.
To emphasize low-skill, often low-pay physical jobs, such as construction or factory work.
Means 'simple labor', often implying repetitive, unskilled manual work. Common in economic or social contexts.
Immigrant workers are engaged in manual labour.
Loanword from English 'blue-collar', used to describe manual or industrial workers. Common in business and media.
To convey the sense of grueling, exhausting physical work, often with a negative connotation.
Literally 'heavy labor', this term emphasizes the difficulty and physical strain. Used for demanding jobs like mining or heavy construction.
This job is manual labour, and I feel like it's breaking my body.
A colloquial phrase meaning 'tough work'. Not a direct translation but often used to describe hard manual labor in conversation.
I'm exhausted from manual labour every day.
肉体労働 is the most neutral and formal term for manual labor. 力仕事 is casual and emphasizes physical strength. 重労働 implies extreme hardship and is often used for the most demanding jobs.
manual labourer (neutral)
I'm good at manual labour (casual).
They were forced into hard manual labour.
The direct translation '手動労働' is not natural Japanese. Use the terms above instead.
He is looking for a manual labour job.