The word "怎样" is formed through the combination of two distinct characters, each contributing its core meaning to create a new, composite idea. The first character, "怎" (zěn), is itself a standalone interrogative word meaning "how" or "why", historically derived from a contraction of earlier forms. The second character, "样" (yàng), means "manner", "appearance", or "pattern". Therefore, their combination literally constructs the concept of "what kind of manner" or "what way", which functions as a single term asking "how" in the sense of inquiring about method, condition, or nature.