能者多勞 néng zhě duō láo

the capable end up doing more work

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

  1. 1. it's the most capable people who do the most work (idiom) (intended as consolation for the overworked, or flattery when making a request etc)

Characters

Character Meaning
能 néng HSK 1
can; to be able to; ability
者 zhě HSK 3
(after a verb or adjective) one who (is) ...
多 duō HSK 1
many; a lot of; numerous
勞 láo
labor; to toil; to put sb to trouble (of doing sth)