The word 意义 (yìyì), meaning "meaning" or "significance", is formed through a conceptual combination of its two component characters. The first character, 意, originally depicted the sound of the heart/mind and represents concepts like "idea", "thought", or "intention". The second, 义, is associated with "righteousness", "principle", or "what is fitting". When paired, they create a composite idea where 意 contributes the notion of intended thought or subjective significance, and 义 contributes the dimension of objective value, worth, or principled importance. Together, they form a complete concept that transcends a simple definition, encapsulating the depth, purpose, and inherent value of a meaning.