The word "格格不入" is formed by repeating the character "格" (gé), which refers to a grid or compartment, to create "格格", meaning "every grid" or "each division". This is combined with "不" (bù, not) and "入" (rù, to enter), forming the negation "不入" (does not enter). Literally, the phrase means "every grid does not enter", structurally conveying the idea that something fails to fit into any part of a system, hence expressing incompatibility.