The word 打赌 is formed through a vivid conceptual metaphor where the character 打 (dǎ), whose primary meaning is "to hit" or "to strike", is used figuratively to imply initiating or engaging in an action with force or determination. This is combined with 赌 (dǔ), which means "to gamble" or "to wager". Together, they create the concept of "to make a bet", picturing the act not as a passive agreement but as an active, almost physical striking of a wager, as if two parties are formally and decisively "striking" the terms of their gamble into existence.