The word 自给自足 is formed by combining two two-character phrases: 自给 (self-supply) and 自足 (self-sufficient). The character 自 (self) is repeated in both phrases, paired with 给 (to provide) and 足 (to be sufficient), respectively. These phrases are joined to create a compound where each part reinforces the other, literally meaning "self-supply and self-sufficient" to denote complete self-reliance.