The Chinese word **本领 (běnlǐng)**, meaning "ability" or "skill," is a compound formed by combining two characters, each contributing to the overall meaning. The first character, **本 (běn)**, originally means "root" or "origin," and here carries the sense of "fundamental" or "core." The second character, **领 (lǐng)**, literally means "neck" or "collar" but is often used metaphorically to signify "to lead" or "to have control over something." Thus, when combined, **本领** conceptually refers to the **core competency or fundamental mastery** one has over a domain—the essential capability that allows one to lead or handle tasks effectively. It is a classic example of a coordinative compound, where both morphemes work together to create a nuanced, abstract meaning greater than the sum of its parts.