Distinciones - "mano de obra" vs. "labor" vs. "trabajo"
Hello, everyone!
I have a question concerning the English word 'labor'. In English, the word 'labor' is extremely dynamic and can be used in many different contexts and can also be used interchangeably with the word 'work'.
In Spanish, there appears to be a distinction between the various ways we use 'labor' (or 'work') in English. Particularly, I note three different words or expressions that are used in different contexts: 'mano de obra', 'labor', and 'trabajo'.
While the Spanishdict dictionary gives some excellent sample sentences on how to use each of the Spanish words/expressions above, there is some confusion (at least on my part) on when to use 'mano de obra' instead of 'labor' or when to use 'labor' instead of 'trabajo', for example.
Can anyone help me out and give me some insight on the most common ways to use each word?
I realize that's a very general question so, if it helps, below are some sample sentences in English using the word 'labor' with my guesses for which Spanish word is most appropriate in the translation. Feel free to correct any mistakes I make and to offer your own insight! Or, feel free to just give examples of when you've heard 'mano de obra', 'trabajo', or 'labor' used in everyday speech or writing.
Thank you so much in advance! I look forward to your responses. =]
Alyssa
Sentences:
- I work for a labor contractor. --> Trabajo para una contratista de trabajo.
- If love is a labor, I'll slave 'til the end. --> Si el amor es una labor, trabajaré hasta el final.
- Tom does a lot of manual labor in his construction job. --> Tom hace mucha mano de obra en su trabajo en el sector de construcción.
- The manager handed out a list of labor codes to be followed. --> El director distribuyó una lista de códigos de labor para obedecer.
- I labor as a farmer. --> Trabajo como agricultor.
- She vowed to never stop laboring for peace in Africa. --> Ella jura de no dejar trabajando para lograr la paz en África.
- What type of labor do you do? --> ¿Qué tipo de trabajo haces?
- Plowing labor is extremely taxing on one's muscles. --> La labor de arar es muy duro para los músculos.
- Stop laboring her with unneccessary details. --> Deja de cargarle a ella con detalles superfluas.
- Labor reforms are necessary in the agriculture industry. --> Reformas de labor son necessarias en la industria agrícola.
- His job is extremely labor intensive. --> Su trabajo es muy intensivo y laborioso.
3 Answers
• Tom does a lot of manual labor in his construction job. --> Tom hace mucha trabajo manual en su trabajo de construcción.
I also found these. I agree that ¨mano de obra¨ has to do with manpower or a workforce.
mano de obra agrícola -- agricultural labor
la mano de obra infantile -- child labor
mano de obra -- labor force
mano de obra -- manpower
el trabajo físico -- physical labor
the division of the labor -- la división del trabajo
the fruit of their labors -- el fruto de su trabajo
la carga de trabajo -- workload
puestos de trabajo -- jobs
trabajo -- work
una trabajo de equipo -- teamwork
trabajo de domésticas -- housework
About the only distinction that I see is as a force or group, "mano de obra" otherwise, "trabajo" for work, job, employment, and "labor" for labor or work as well. I am not a native.
Great questions, Alyssa.
"mano de obra" is quite common.
I use this when getting an estimate on a job. I say "¿Cuánto cuesta los materiales y la mano de obra?" I'm asking for two different quotes--one for the cost of materials and one for the cost of manual labor to get the job done.
I've never heard "obra de mano", but "mano de obra" is quite common. For me, it refers more to the workforce in general, not so much towards the actual action of doing work. For example you could say, "mano de obra barata" which is "cheap labor". Also, at least in Spain, a labor reform is "una reforma laboral"(I would also say códigos laborales, not códigos de labor). When you refer to "stopping" in english, the verb "dejar" must be followed by the preposition "de" in Spanish. I would say "ella jura no dejar de trabajar por la paz en áfrica". Your sentence "qué tipo de trabajo haces(or tienes)is correct, but you could also say "a qué te dedicas?"
