The word 付出 is formed by combining two characters that each contribute a concrete action to create a metaphorical whole. The first character, 付 (fù), carries the core meaning of "to hand over" or "to pay". The second, 出 (chū), means "to go out" or "to extend". When placed together, they visually and conceptually depict the act of handing something out from oneself, extending one's time, effort, resources, or energy outward, thus forming the idea of "to expend" or "to put in" effort for something or someone.