The word 眼神 is formed by combining the character for "eye" (眼) with the character for "spirit" or "expression" (神), creating a compound that conceptually captures the idea of the expression or light in a person's eyes. It visually merges the physical organ of sight with the intangible quality of vitality, intent, or emotion that is perceived through it, directly translating to the "spirit of the eye" to mean one's gaze or look.