The Chinese word 含辛茹苦 is formed by the sequential combination of four characters: 含 (to contain/endure), 辛 (pungency/hardship), 茹 (to eat/endure), and 苦 (bitterness/suffering). It literally conveys enduring pungency and eating bitterness, creating a metaphorical compound meaning that describes undergoing extreme hardships and adversity.