The word 相识 is a compound verb formed by combining two independent, meaningful characters: 相 (xiāng), which conveys reciprocity or "each other", and 识 (shí), which means "to know", "to recognize", or "to be familiar with". When joined, they create a single concept meaning "to be acquainted with each other" or "to know one another", where the first character modifies the second to specify a mutual, two-way action of recognition or familiarity. This structure is a classic example of a coordinative or associative compound in Chinese, where the combined meaning is derived logically from the interaction of its constituent parts.