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HSK 7-9
mái埋burytóu头headkǔ苦bittergàn干work
To immerse oneself in hard work; to bury oneself in one's work.

Literal meaning

bury (埋) — head (头) — bitter (苦) — work (干)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase describing diligent and dedicated work.

Examples

tā他mái埋tóu头kǔ苦gàn干,zhōng终yú于wán完chéng成le了rèn任wù务。
He immersed himself in hard work and finally completed the task.
zhǐ只yǒu有mái埋tóu头kǔ苦gàn干,cái才néng能qǔ取dé得chéng成gōng功。
Only by burying oneself in hard work can one achieve success.

Usage & nuances

Emphasizes the importance of hard work and dedication.

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