埋头 literally means 'to bury one’s head'—a vivid image of lowering the head deeply, often while sitting or working. The character 埋 (mái) conveys the sense of covering or immersing, while 头 (tóu) means 'head'; together, they form an idiom expressing intense focus and absorption in a task, typically to the point of ignoring surroundings. It suggests quiet diligence, not physical posture alone.

This verb is commonly used to describe concentrated effort in studying, writing, coding, crafting, or any mentally demanding activity. It carries a positive, respectful connotation—someone who is earnest, persistent, and undistracted. While it can appear in formal writing, it’s also frequent in everyday speech and journalism, especially when praising dedication or describing someone deep in work without looking up.