The Chinese word 方程式 (fāngchéngshì) for "equation" is a compound term formed by combining three morphemes: 方 (fāng), meaning "method" or "formula"; 程 (chéng), meaning "procedure," "rule," or "journey"; and 式 (shì), meaning "pattern," "model," or "form." Literally, it conveys the concept of a "formula procedure model" or a "standardized form of a rule," effectively capturing the essence of an equation as a formal mathematical statement of equality between expressions constructed according to set rules. The term was adopted in modern scientific discourse to translate the Western concept, with its usage later extending to mean "chemical equation" as well, reflecting its core idea of a balanced, formal representation of a relationship.