The word **主观 (zhǔguān)**, meaning "subjective," is a modern Chinese compound formed by combining two classical characters: **主 (zhǔ)**, meaning "master," "primary," or "to dominate," and **观 (guān)**, meaning "to view," "outlook," or "perspective." It is a nominal structure where "主" acts as a modifier for "观," literally constructing the idea of a "master's view" or a "dominant perspective." This formation directly contrasts with **客观 (kèguān)**, "objective," which means a "guest's view" or external perspective. Thus, the term conceptually encapsulates the philosophical notion of perception originating from and filtered through the self, as opposed to from an external, independent reality.