The word 占为己有 is formed by sequentially combining four characters: 占 (to occupy) denotes the action of taking control, 为 (for) directs the action towards a purpose, 己 (oneself) specifies the beneficiary as the actor, and 有 (to have) indicates the resulting state of possession. This arrangement creates a literal meaning of "occupy for oneself to have", expressing the act of seizing something for personal ownership.