The word 播放 is formed through the complementary combination of its two constituent characters, each contributing a core meaning to create a new, unified concept. The first character, 播, carries the fundamental idea of "sowing seeds" or "broadcasting/scattering", which metaphorically extends to transmitting or disseminating information. It is paired with 放, which means "to release", "to let go", or "to set free". When combined, the action of 播 (disseminating) is specifically directed through the action of 放 (releasing), resulting in the compound meaning of "to release a broadcast", that is, to play or transmit audio or video content.