The word "差点" is formed by combining two characters: "差", which carries the core meaning of falling short, lacking, or being deficient, and "点", which means a dot, point, or a very small amount. Their combination creates a metaphorical and conceptual fusion, picturing an event or state that has fallen short by only a tiny point or a minuscule margin. This visual and quantitative idea of being just a little bit deficient in reaching a certain threshold is what gives the word its essential meaning of "almost, but not quite" happening.