The word 道歉 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core conceptual piece to create the meaning "to apologize". The first character, 道, means "to say" or "to express", while the second, 歉, means "regret", "apology", or "deficiency". When joined, they literally and conceptually depict the act of "expressing regret", where one verbally states their shortcoming or remorse, thus forming the complete idea of offering an apology.