The word 翅膀 (chìbǎng) is formed by combining two characters, each contributing to the overall concept: 翅 primarily means "wing" itself, often with a focus on the feathered appendage used for flight, while 膀 means "upper arm" or "shoulder", referring to the part of the body from which the wing extends and gains its power and motion. Together, they create a complete, vivid image of a wing not just as a separate feathery surface, but as an integral, functional limb attached to the body for the purpose of flight.