The word 母亲 is formed through the combination of two meaningful characters: 母, which is an ancient pictograph originally depicting a kneeling woman with prominent breasts, representing the core concept of "mother" or "female parent", and 亲, which conveys the idea of closeness, intimacy, and direct relation. Together, they create a composite concept where the inherent biological and nurturing role of "母" is semantically deepened and emotionally refined by the affectionate bond and dear kinship implied by "亲", resulting in a formal and respectful term for "mother" that emphasizes both the fundamental relationship and its intimate, cherished nature.