appreciation; thanks; recognition of effort
Used for expressing gratitude or recognition for someone's hard work or effort. Often appears in phrases like ねぎらいの言葉 (words of appreciation) or ねぎらいの気持ち (feeling of gratitude).
I received words of appreciation from my boss.
I expressed my appreciation for his efforts.
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 労い is also used but less common.
Kanji form; usually written in kana.
Rarely used kanji form; not recommended for learners.
Derived from the verb 労う (ねぎらう), meaning to appreciate or thank someone for their efforts. The kanji 労 carries the meaning of labor or toil.