The Chinese word 树枝 (shùzhī, meaning "tree branch") is formed through a logical and common method of word formation in Chinese known as compound formation, specifically a modifier-head or endocentric structure. It combines two independent characters: 树 (shù), which means "tree", and 枝 (zhī), which means "branch" or "twig". In this compound, 树 acts as a modifier that specifies the type of branch, clarifying that it is not just any branch but specifically one belonging to a tree. Therefore, the meaning of the whole word is directly derived from and centered on the second character 枝 ("branch"), with the first character 树 ("tree") providing essential classificatory context.