The word 抽屉 (chōuti) is formed by combining two characters that together create a direct, functional image: 抽 (chōu), meaning "to pull out" or "to draw forth", and 屉 (tì), which refers to a tiered compartment or tray. The compound literally describes the object's defining action and structure, it is a layered tray or compartment that one pulls out. This formation visually and conceptually captures the very essence of a drawer as a removable sliding container.