The word 如胶似漆 is formed by combining the characters 如 (like), 胶 (glue), 似 (similar to), and 漆 (lacquer), creating two parallel similes: 如胶 meaning "like glue" and 似漆 meaning "similar to lacquer". Both 胶 and 漆 represent sticky, adhesive substances, and their pairing in this structure directly emphasizes a state of tight adhesion, used to depict an inseparable bond between individuals.