The Chinese word 不测 (bùcè) is a compound formed by combining the negation adverb 不 (bù, meaning "not") with the verb 测 (cè, meaning "to measure," "to forecast," or "to predict"). Literally, it means "not measurable" or "unpredictable." Through semantic extension, this literal sense evolved into its common figurative meaning, referring to "unforeseen events," "accidents," or "contingencies," thereby abstractly describing situations that cannot be anticipated or measured in advance. This formation follows a common pattern in Chinese where a negative modifier is placed before a verb to create a new noun with an abstract, often ominous, connotation.