The word 金枪鱼 (tuna) is formed through a direct, visual metaphor: 金 (gold) describes the fish's metallic, golden-hued flesh or scales; 枪 (spear) captures the fish's most striking physical feature, its long, pointed, spear-like snout or head; and 鱼 (fish) categorizes it as a living creature. The compound essentially paints a picture of a "golden-spear-fish", named for its distinctive appearance rather than any abstract quality.