Definition
犬马之劳 is a four-character humble expression (谦辞) literally meaning 'the labor of a dog or horse'. It is used to refer to one's own loyalty and willing service, often when offering to help a superior or in polite self-deprecation. You encounter it mostly in formal or respectful contexts, such as 愿效犬马之劳 ('I am willing to offer my humble service').
n.
(humble) one's humble serviceone's loyal efforts
Examples
- 犬马之劳。Wǒ yuànyì wèi nín xiào quǎn mǎ zhī láo.I am willing to offer you my humble service.
- ，犬马之劳。Zhǐyào gōngsī xūyào, wǒ suíshí yuàn jìn quǎn mǎ zhī láo.As long as the company needs, I am always ready to do my humble service.
- 犬马之劳。Tā gǎnxiè bùxià duōnián lái de quǎn mǎ zhī láo.He thanked his subordinates for their years of faithful service.
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