The word "如花似玉" is formed by directly combining two simile phrases: "如花" (rú huā), meaning "like a flower", and "似玉" (sì yù), meaning "like jade". Each phrase uses a comparative character ("如" for "like" and "似" for "similar to") followed by a noun ("花" for "flower" and "玉" for "jade"). These are joined in a parallel structure to create a single compound term that metaphorically references the qualities of flowers and jade.