The compound word 下贱 (xiàjiàn) is formed through the combination of two Chinese characters, each contributing to its overall meaning of "lowly," "despicable," or "contemptible." The first character, 下 (xià), literally means "below" or "low," establishing a spatial or hierarchical sense of inferiority. The second character, 贱 (jiàn), originally meant "low-priced" or "inexpensive" but has long carried the extended metaphorical meaning of "base," "vulgar," or "of low moral character." When combined, the two characters reinforce and intensify each other, creating a term that strongly denotes a lack of nobility, worth, or dignity, often used to describe profoundly degrading behavior or a servile, disgraceful status.