The word 关注 is formed through the conceptual fusion of its two component characters: 关, which carries the idea of a strategic pass, gateway, or connection, implying something critical or of vested interest; and 注, which means to pour or concentrate, as in focusing a fluid flow. Together, they create a metaphorical compound meaning "to concentrate one's attention and mental energy upon a point of connection or importance", visually evoking the idea of channeling and fixing one's focus onto a specific matter of concern.