sai3 bat1 loeng5 laap6勢不兩立势不两立
Jyutpingsai3 bat1 loeng5 laap6
Yalesai bāt léuhng laahp
Definition
Mutually incompatible or completely hostile, where two parties cannot co-exist.
writtenpeopleemotion
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, dramatic weight, often implying a deep-seated, irreconcilable conflict that feels like a life-or-death struggle. It is far more intense than simply disliking someone or having a disagreement. Use it when describing situations where two parties are fundamentally incompatible and cannot possibly coexist in the same space.
Examples
The two of them have been bitter enemies since they were kids.
Related words
Common phrases
a relationship of total hostility
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe minor arguments or temporary spats, as it sounds overly theatrical and serious for everyday disagreements. It is meant for deep-rooted, long-term rivalries rather than petty friction.
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.
