The word 当选 is formed through the combination of two individual characters, each contributing a core meaning that merges to create a new, specific concept. The first character, 当 (dāng), carries the sense of "to bear", "to undertake", or "to be just at (a moment)", implying a coming-into-effect or assumption of a role. The second character, 选 (xuǎn), means "to choose" or "to elect". When compounded, the logical sequence and result of the action are expressed: one is first "chosen" (选) and, as a consequence, thereby "assumes the position" (当). Thus, the formation directly depicts the outcome of an election, to be elected and consequently take office.