The word 肩膀 (jiānbǎng) for "shoulder" is formed by combining two characters, each representing a distinct but connected part of the body. The first character, 肩 (jiān), pictographically represents the shoulder itself, derived from an ancient depiction of the shoulder and collarbone area. The second character, 膀 (bǎng), originally refers to the upper arm or wing. By joining them, the compound creates a more complete and specific concept, effectively extending the meaning from the singular joint to encompass the broader, fleshy area where the arm meets the torso, much like how the English "shoulder" covers more than just the joint.