The word 品味 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning that together create a unified concept. The first character, 品, originally depicts three mouths and carries the core idea of sampling, tasting, or judging grade and quality. The second character, 味, means flavor or taste, directly relating to sensory experience. When fused, the literal act of "tasting flavor" (品 + 味) is abstracted into a single noun or verb meaning "to appreciate discerningly" or one's "aesthetic taste", elegantly transitioning from a physical act to a metaphor for refined judgment and appreciation in arts, culture, or life.