lou1 m4 maai4撈唔埋捞唔埋

Jyutpinglou1 m4 maai4

Yalelōu m̀h màaih

語句

Definition

To not get along with each other.

colloquialpeoplework

How it's used

Originating from the slang term 撈 which means to work or mix with others, this phrase specifically describes a fundamental incompatibility in working styles or personality. It implies that two people are like oil and water, making collaboration impossible. It is frequently used in professional or project-based contexts where cooperation is expected but fails to materialize.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋sing3性gaak3格gam3咁m4唔tung4同，dim2點joeng2樣lou1撈m4唔maai4埋aa4呀？

Their personalities are so different, how could they not get along?

ngo5我tung4同keoi5佢zou6做je5嘢lou1撈m4唔maai4埋，zeoi3最hau6後dou1都hai6係saan2散zo2咗。

I didn't get along with him at work, so we eventually parted ways.

Common phrases

sing3性gaak3格lou1撈m4唔maai4埋

personalities do not mesh

zou6做je5嘢lou1撈m4唔maai4埋

cannot work together

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 唔夾, which is a broader term for general incompatibility. 撈唔埋 specifically carries the connotation of failing to work together effectively, whereas 唔夾 can apply to romantic partners or friends who simply have different tastes.