The word 标签 (biāoqiān, "label/tag") is formed through a straightforward semantic combination of its two constituent characters. The first character, 标 (biāo), carries the core meaning of "mark", "sign", or "symbol". The second character, 签 (qiān), means a "slip", "note", or "tag". When combined, the concept flows logically: 标 modifies and specifies the type of 签, resulting in the compound meaning of a "marking tag" or a "signature slip", essentially, a label that serves as an identifying mark.