The word **驻扎 (zhùzhā)** is formed through the combination of two complementary characters with related meanings, creating a compound verb that describes a specific, sustained action. The first character, **驻 (zhù)**, primarily means "to halt," "to stay," or "to be stationed." The second character, **扎 (zhā)**, carries meanings of "to prick," "to pierce," or, in this context, more relevantly, "to pitch" or "to fasten" (as in driving stakes into the ground). When paired, their meanings merge and extend metaphorically: **驻** provides the sense of a prolonged halt or residence, while **扎** adds the concrete action of settling in or securing a position, most commonly used to describe troops **stationing themselves** or **setting up a garrison** in a fixed location.