1. Labor, Work: This is the most common meaning of "Lau". It refers to physical or mental effort, work, or labor. For example:
* 劳工 (láogōng): worker
* 劳动 (láodòng): labor
* 劳力 (láolì): manpower
2. To Trouble, To Bother: "Lau" can also mean to trouble or bother someone. For example:
* 劳烦 (láofán): to trouble (someone)
* 劳驾 (láojia): to trouble (someone)
3. To Exert, To Strain: "Lau" can also mean to exert oneself or to strain. For example:
* 劳神 (láoshén): to exert oneself mentally
* 劳心 (láoxīn): to strain one's mind
4. Last Name: "Lau" is also a common Chinese surname, often romanized as "Lao" or "Lo".
To understand the meaning of "Lau" in a specific context, you need to look at the surrounding words and phrases.