The word 指向 is formed through the semantic combination of its two component characters: 指, which means "to point" (as with a finger) or "to indicate", and 向, which means "direction" or "orientation". The formation conceptually merges the action of pointing with the notion of a directional path or target, creating a single compound idea meaning "to point toward" or "to indicate a direction". It visually and notionally represents the act of extending an indication along a specific line or course, where the first character provides the action and the second provides its spatial or metaphorical destination.