The word 冲突 (chōngtū, "conflict") is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a vivid, physical image that metaphorically merges into the abstract concept. The first character, 冲 (chōng), originally depicts water rushing or charging forward, conveying a sense of collision or impact. The second, 突 (tū), suggests a sudden breach, a bursting through, or a protruding attack. Together, they create a compound where their individual notions of forceful, opposing motions, one charging, the other bursting, visually and conceptually clash to embody the essence of a conflict or confrontation.