The word 保存 is formed through the conceptual combination of its two component characters: 保, which carries the core idea of "protecting" or "keeping safe", and 存, which embodies the notion of "preserving in existence" or "retaining". Together, they create a unified, compounded meaning where the action of protecting (保) is specifically directed toward ensuring something continues to exist unchanged or is retained (存), thus forming the complete concept of "to preserve" or "to save".