The word 嫌疑犯 is formed by combining three characters, each contributing a layer of meaning to create the final concept. It begins with 嫌 (xián), which carries the sense of suspicion or ill-will, and 疑 (yí), which means doubt or uncertainty; together they form 嫌疑 (xiányí), intensifying the idea to "suspicion" in a legal or investigative context. This compound then modifies 犯 (fàn), meaning "offender" or "perpetrator", so the entire construction sequentially builds from "suspicion-doubt" to designate "the one who is under suspicion", a suspect.