The word 搭配 is formed through the combination of two individual characters, each contributing its core meaning to create a new, composite concept. The first character, 搭, carries the fundamental idea of "to join", "to connect", or "to put up". The second character, 配, intrinsically means "to match", "to pair", or "to harmonize". When placed together, their meanings merge not just additively but synergistically, evolving to specifically convey the concept of coordinating or arranging items (like clothing, colors, or food) in a way that they suitably and aesthetically go together.