seoi2 kau1 jau4水摳油水抠油
Jyutpingseoi2 kau1 jau4
Yaleséui kāu yàuh
Definition
To have a bad relationship; to not get along, like water and oil.
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
This idiom vividly describes a fundamental incompatibility between two people, mirroring the physical inability of oil and water to mix. It is used exclusively to describe interpersonal friction or a lack of chemistry rather than general disagreement. It carries a strong sense of permanent or deep-seated discord that makes cooperation impossible.
Examples
Their personalities are like oil and water, how can they work together?
Related words
Common phrases
personalities are like oil and water
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a simple argument or a temporary misunderstanding, as it implies a deeper, inherent mismatch in personality or values.
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.
