The word 方便 is formed by combining two characters that create a conceptual blend. The first character, 方, originally depicted two boats tied together, evolving to mean a "square", "direction", or "place". The second, 便, is composed of a person (亻) next to 更 (which implies change or alternating), conveying the idea of something being "handy" or "expedient". Thus, together, they pictorially suggest the idea of a situation or place (方) that is amenable and easy to navigate or use (便), leading to its core meaning of "convenience".