The word 烹饪 is formed by combining two distinct characters, each contributing a specific aspect of the overall concept. The first character, 烹 (pēng), pictorially suggests cooking with fire, as its ancient form depicted flames beneath a vessel. The second character, 饪 (rèn), carries the meaning of preparing or cooking food to the proper degree. When joined, they create a single, comprehensive term that visually and conceptually merges the elemental action of applying heat with the skilled art of food preparation, representing the complete act of cooking.