The Chinese word "痛哭流涕" is formed by combining two descriptive phrases: "痛哭", where "痛" (bitterly) modifies "哭" (cry) to mean cry bitterly, and "流涕", where "流" (flow) acts upon "涕" (tears) to mean shed tears; these are juxtaposed to intensify the depiction of vehement weeping.