諺語 · a single proverb
能者多勞
Simplified: 能者多劳
What does 能者多勞 (néng zhě duō láo) mean?
能者多勞 (néng zhě duō láo) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "the capable do more work." In use it means: Competent people end up with more responsibilities precisely because they are competent; ability attracts burden. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Metal note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Horse.
Literally: "the capable do more work."
The reading
You did the first task well. Now there are three more on your desk. Not because you are being punished, but because you are the person who does things well, and tasks flow toward people who do things well. The reward for competence is more competence expected. Know this before you demonstrate.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Common folk proverb; workplace and governance tradition
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Wealth, Work & Diligence, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Horse, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 能者多勞 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 能者多勞 (néng zhě duō láo) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Common folk proverb; workplace and governance tradition. It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 能者多勞?
In Mandarin it is néng zhě duō láo. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 能者多勞 aloud in Mandarin.