The word 岗位 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a concrete image that together create an abstract meaning. 岗 (gǎng) originally means a "hillock" or "mound", and by extension, a "watchpost" or a raised, strategic point of duty, like a guard's station. 位 (wèi) means a "position", "place", or "seat". When fused, the term metaphorically extends the idea of a soldier's fixed post on a raised guard station to signify any fixed and responsible post or job position within an organization, effectively evoking the concept of a "station" one occupies with specific duties.