Definition
效劳 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to serve' or 'to work for someone', often used in polite or humble expressions. You typically pair it with 为 (wèi), forming the pattern 为 + person + 效劳. When you need to insert a duration or frequency, the verb splits: 效 + measure word/duration + 劳, e.g., 效过一次劳 ('served once'). It carries a respectful tone and is common in service contexts.
v.o.
to serveto work for (in a humble or polite context)
Examples
- 效劳。Wǒ hěn lèyì wèi nín xiào láo.I am very happy to serve you.
- 。Tā wèi gōngsī xiào le èrshí nián de láo.He has worked for the company for twenty years.
- ，。Shàngcì wǒ wèi nín xiào guò yí cì láo, zhè cì nín jǐnguǎn kāikǒu.Last time I served you once, so this time feel free to ask.
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