The Chinese word 潮流 (cháoliú) is a compound term formed by combining two characters, each with related meanings, to create a new, metaphorical concept. The first character, 潮 (cháo), literally means "tide" (as in oceanic tides), while the second, 流 (liú), means "flow" or "current". Together, they literally describe the powerful, directional flow of tidal waters. Through semantic extension, this vivid natural phenomenon is used metaphorically to represent any powerful, prevailing trend or direction in society, fashion, or thought, effectively capturing the idea of a force that is widespread, influential, and difficult to resist.