The phrase "克己复礼" is formed through the sequential combination of four characters: 克 (to overcome), 己 (self), 复 (to return), and 礼 (ritual). It structurally consists of two verb-object pairs, where "克己" (overcome oneself) and "复礼" (return to ritual) are joined to create a compound meaning that emphasizes self-restraint and the restoration of social propriety.