The word **辅导员 (fǔdǎoyuán)** is a modern Chinese compound noun formed by combining the verb **辅导 (fǔdǎo)**, meaning "to guide, tutor, or counsel," with the suffix **员 (yuán)**, which denotes a person engaged in a specific profession or role. The verb "辅导" itself is a compound of **辅 (fǔ)**, "to assist," and **导 (dǎo)**, "to lead or guide." Therefore, the term literally translates to "a person who assists and leads," and it has been lexicalized to refer specifically to an advisor or counselor, most commonly an academic or political guide for students in Chinese educational institutions.