The word 计算机 (computer) is formed through a logical, conceptual assembly of three characters: 计 (jì), meaning "to calculate" or "reckon"; 算 (suàn), meaning "to compute" or "figure"; and 机 (jī), meaning "machine". The compound is built sequentially, where 计算 combines to form the core concept of "calculation" or "computation", and then 机 is appended to specify that this is a machine for performing that function. Thus, the term literally and descriptively means "a machine for calculation", directly mapping its internal components to its overall modern meaning.