The word 改编 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core concept to create a new, integrated meaning. The first character, 改 (gǎi), carries the fundamental idea of "to change", "to alter", or "to revise". The second character, 编 (biān), introduces the concept of "to arrange", "to edit", "to compile", or "to weave together". When merged, the word conceptually represents the process of "changing the arrangement" or "revising the compilation", which semantically narrows to the specific act of adapting an existing creative work, like a novel, song, or play, into a new form or version.