The word 基金 is formed by combining two characters: 基 (jī), meaning "foundation" or "base", and 金 (jīn), meaning "money" or "gold". Conceptually, it creates the image of a foundational or pooled sum of money, which is set aside or established for a specific purpose. This formation metaphorically extends the idea of a physical base or fund to represent the modern financial concept of an investment fund or foundation, where capital is collected as a bedrock for future growth or dedicated use.