The word 相遇 is formed by combining two independent characters, each contributing a core idea to create a new, unified concept. The first character, 相 (xiāng), carries the inherent meaning of "mutual" or "reciprocal", indicating a two-way interaction. The second character, 遇 (yù), intrinsically means "to meet" or "to encounter". Their fusion is not merely additive but synergistic; 相 modifies the nature of 遇, transforming a general meeting into the specific concept of "meeting each other" or a mutual encounter, where the action is inherently shared between the parties involved.