The word 可爱 is formed by directly combining two conceptual ideas: the first character 可 carries the inherent meaning of "can be" or "worthy of", acting as a modifier that sets up a condition of possibility. It is then joined with the second character 爱, which embodies the core concept of "love" or "affection". Their union does not merely add meanings but synthesizes them to create a new, integrated concept, "worthy of love" or "able to be loved", which naturally conveys the quality of being endearing, charming, or cute.