The word 大使馆 (dàshǐguǎn), meaning "embassy", is formed through a logical, sequential combination of concepts using individual characters. It begins with 大 (big/great) and 使 (envoy/messenger) to create 大使, meaning "ambassador" (literally "great envoy"). This compound is then combined with 馆 (building/establishment) to specify the physical place or institution, resulting in the complete meaning: "the building or establishment of the ambassador".