The word "明媒正娶" is formed by combining four characters: "明" meaning open or public, "媒" meaning matchmaker, "正" meaning proper or correct, and "娶" meaning to marry (for a man). The phrase structures two modifying pairs: "明媒" (open matchmaking) and "正娶" (proper marriage), which together describe a traditional marriage conducted openly through a matchmaker and with formal ceremonies, emphasizing legitimacy and social approval.