lou1 wan4撈勻捞匀
Jyutpinglou1 wan4
Yalelōu wàhn
Definition
To thoroughly mix; or to have worked in many different industries.
- to mix thoroughly; to stir together
- to have worked in many different fields; to have tried out all kinds of jobs
colloquialfoodwork
How it's used
Primarily used in cooking to describe blending ingredients together, but it carries a metaphorical sense of having experienced a wide variety of jobs or social circles. When used for work, it implies a life of diverse, perhaps slightly rough or unconventional, professional experience. It conveys a sense of being street-smart or having seen it all.
Examples
Remember to mix the sauce thoroughly before you eat.
He tried out all sorts of different professions when he was young.
Related words
Common phrases
mix the ingredients thoroughly
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 撈, which can mean to earn money or to socialize in a specific circle. While 撈勻 implies mixing things together or trying many things, 撈 by itself often focuses on the act of working or surviving in a specific environment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
