The word 勋章 is formed by combining two meaningful components: 勋 (xūn), which conveys the idea of "merit", "achievement", or "distinguished service", and 章 (zhāng), which refers to a "badge", "seal", or "emblem". Together, they create a composite concept where the second element (章) is physically and symbolically defined by the first (勋), resulting in the complete meaning of a "medal" or "decoration", an emblem that is specifically a badge of merit.