The character "台" originates from a pictographic representation of a raised platform or terrace, later simplified to its current form. The character "湾" is formed by the water radical "氵" indicating liquid or body of water, combined with "弯" which provides phonetic approximation and conveys the meaning of a bend or curve, together denoting a bay. Combined, "台湾" geographically refers to the island of Taiwan, with "台" suggesting a terraced landform and "湾" its coastal bay characteristics.