The word 任务 (rèn wu) is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core meaning that merges to create the modern concept. The first character, 任 (rèn), carries the fundamental ideas of "to bear", "to undertake", or "a responsibility". The second character, 务 (wù), means "an affair", "a matter", or "a duty". When joined, their meanings conceptually blend: an affair or duty that one undertakes or bears, thus forming the composite meaning of a "task", "assignment", or "mission".