The word 细节 is formed through a conceptual combination where 细 (xì), meaning "fine" or "minute", is paired with 节 (jié), which in this context means "joint", "node", or "section". Together, they create a powerful visual metaphor: just as a bamboo stalk is made of many small, connecting sections, or a complex matter is composed of numerous small junctions, 细节 represents the "fine sections" or "minute nodes" that collectively constitute the larger whole. The formation evokes the idea of examining the small, interlinking parts that are essential to the structure and complete understanding of something.