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犬馬の労 (けんばのろう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun
humble service ; one's small contribution
A humble set phrase used to refer to one's own modest efforts or service, often in formal or self-deprecating contexts. Literally 'the labor of a dog or horse'.
せ
て
いただき
ます
」
と
述の
べ
た
。
He said, 'I will humbly offer my small service.'
Kanji 労 labor, thank for, reward for Similar words 微び 力りょく 微力 means 'small ability' and is often used together with 犬馬の労 in humble expressions, but 犬馬の労 specifically refers to the act of service itself.
尽じん 力りょく 尽力 means 'making efforts' or 'doing one's best' and is neutral in politeness, while 犬馬の労 is explicitly humble and self-deprecating.
Etymology A classical Chinese-derived expression (kanbun kundoku) meaning 'the labor of a dog or horse,' used humbly to refer to one's own small service. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of using animal metaphors for humble self-reference.
