The word 潜力 is formed by combining two characters: 潜, which means "hidden, latent, or submerged", and 力, which means "strength, power, or force". The concept is created through a direct metaphorical fusion: it visualizes a kind of power or strength that is not visible on the surface, like the submerged part of an iceberg, the root system of a tree, or a coiled spring, implying a reservoir of capability that exists but has not yet been fully utilized or revealed.