The word 多余 is formed through the direct and intuitive combination of its two component characters, each contributing a layer of meaning that merges into a single concept. The first character, 多 (duō), fundamentally means "many" or "excess", establishing the idea of an abundant quantity. It is paired with 余 (yú), which carries the core meaning of "surplus", "remaining", or "left over". By placing these two ideas side-by-side, the compound visually and conceptually stacks the notion of "more than needed" upon the notion of "what is left after use", resulting in the integrated meaning of "superfluous", "unnecessary", or "extra", something that is not just in excess, but is specifically an unnecessary surplus beyond what is required or appropriate.