maai4 tau4埋頭埋头
Jyutpingmaai4 tau4
Yalemàaih tàuh
Definition
To immerse oneself in, or to be engrossed in a task.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
This term carries a sense of physical posture, suggesting someone leaning forward or bowing their head to focus intently on a task. It is almost exclusively used for serious or productive activities like studying, working, or reading. You would not use it for leisure activities like watching television or playing video games.
Examples
He is always engrossed in his work, he even forgets to eat.
Related words
Common phrases
to work hard and silently
to be buried in work
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 埋單, which means to settle a bill. While both share the character 埋, they have completely different meanings and contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
