laau4 je5撈嘢捞嘢

Jyutpinglaau4 je5

Yalelàauh yéh

Definition

To obtain benefits, advantages, or a good bargain.

colloquialmoneypeople

How it's used

This term carries a strong sense of opportunism and often implies that the gain is obtained through cleverness or by exploiting a loophole. It is frequently used in a slightly cynical or critical tone to describe someone who is looking for a shortcut to benefit themselves at the expense of others or a system. While it can mean getting a bargain, it rarely implies a fair or honest transaction.

Examples

keoi5佢gam1今ci3次heoi3去can1親cik1戚gaan1間gung1公si1司lou1撈je5嘢。

He went to his relative's company this time to take advantage of the situation.

nei5你ji5以wai4為zi6自gei2己lou1撈dou3到je5嘢aa4呀？

Do you really think you managed to get a good deal out of it?

Common phrases

zyun1專dang1登lou1撈je5嘢

deliberately looking to take advantage

lou1撈dou3到je5嘢

successfully obtained a benefit

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 撈, which is a very common verb meaning to work or to make a living. When used as 撈嘢, the focus shifts entirely to the act of extracting a benefit or profit, often with a negative connotation of being opportunistic.