The word **挂念 (guàniàn)** is a compound formed by combining two characters, each contributing to its overall meaning of "to be concerned about" or "to miss someone." The first character, **挂 (guà)**, literally means "to hang" or "to suspend," evoking the metaphor of thoughts being "hung up on" or persistently occupying one's mind. The second character, **念 (niàn)**, means "to think of," "to remember," or "a thought." Together, they create a vivid conceptual blend where one's thoughts are continuously suspended on and preoccupied with another person, conveying a sense of lingering worry, care, and affectionate concern.