The word 注意 is formed through the conceptual and visual blending of its two component characters. The first character, 注 (zhù), originally depicted the idea of "pouring" or "concentrating" a fluid, implying a focused flow. The second, 意 (yì), represents "mind", "thought", or "intention", composed of 音 (sound) over 心 (heart). Together, they create a compound ideograph where the action of "concentrating or pouring (注)" is directed upon the "mind/heart (意)", metaphorically forming the concept of directing one's mental focus, hence, "to pay attention".