The character 交换 is formed by combining two independent characters, each contributing a core meaning to create a new, compound concept. The first character, 交 (jiāo), originally depicted crossed legs or the idea of crossing and interconnection, conveying a sense of mutual or reciprocal action. The second, 换 (huàn), signifies change or substitution, often involving the handing over of one thing for another. When placed together, their meanings merge to visually and conceptually represent the act of a mutual change or substitution, that is, to give something and receive something else in return, forming the complete idea of "to exchange".