The Chinese word 残骸 (cánhái) is a compound noun formed by combining two characters, each contributing to the overall meaning of "wreckage" or "remains". The first character, 残 (cán), carries the core meaning of "incomplete", "damaged", "ruined", or "lingering", conveying a state of destruction or mutilation. The second character, 骸 (hái), specifically means "bones" or "skeleton", referring to the structural framework of a body or object. When combined, the term metaphorically extends from "broken bones" to signify the shattered, skeletal framework or broken fragments left behind after a catastrophic event, such as the wreckage of a vehicle, building, or ship.