The word "铲子" is a compound noun formed through a common morphological process in Mandarin Chinese, where the root morpheme "铲" (chǎn), which means "to shovel" or "shovel" as a verb or simple noun, is combined with the nominal suffix "子" (zi). This suffix "子" often attaches to a root to create a concrete, everyday noun, typically denoting a tool or object. In this case, it transforms the base meaning into the specific, tangible object "shovel" or "spade", thereby distinguishing it from the action and solidifying its category as a common utensil.