The word 保姆 is formed by combining two characters: 保 (bǎo), which means "to protect" or "to care for", and 姆 (mǔ), an archaic term for a maternal figure or nursemaid. Together, they create a compound that visually and conceptually merges the idea of "providing care" with that of a "matronly or nurturing woman", resulting in the modern meaning of a hired domestic helper or nanny whose primary role is to safeguard and look after children and the household.