The Chinese word **中介 (zhōngjiè)**, meaning "intermediary" or "agent," is a compound word formed by combining two meaningful characters: **中 (zhōng)**, which means "middle" or "center," and **介 (jiè)**, which means "to introduce" or "to act as an intermediary." Together, they create a semantic compound where the combined meaning is directly derived from the sum of its parts—literally, a "middle introducer" or one who stands in the center to facilitate a connection, transaction, or agreement between two parties. This formation is a classic example of how modern Chinese often creates precise terms by logically combining existing morphemes.