The Chinese word 如履薄冰 is formed by directly combining four characters: 如 (like), 履 (to tread on), and 薄冰 (thin ice). It constructs a simile where 如 introduces the comparison, 履 specifies the action, and 薄冰 provides the metaphorical object, resulting in the literal meaning "like treading on thin ice" to convey a state of extreme caution.