The word 道具 is formed by combining two characters: 道, meaning "way", "path", or "method", and 具, meaning "tool" or "implement". Conceptually, it fuses the idea of a specific path or pursuit with the tangible objects required for it, originally referring to tools used on a spiritual or philosophical path (like in Buddhism) before evolving to mean the implements necessary for any defined practice, such as in a theater (stage props) or daily life (tools and equipment). It thus encapsulates the notion of instruments that serve a particular purpose or facilitate a specific way of doing things.