The Chinese word 键盘 (jiànpán), meaning "keyboard", is a logical compound noun formed by combining two meaningful characters: 键 (jiàn), which means "key" (as in a mechanical key or button), and 盘 (pán), which means "tray", "dish", or "board". Together, they create the conceptual image of a "board of keys", perfectly describing the array of keys arranged on a flat panel, whether for a computer, typewriter, or musical instrument. This method of word formation is typical in Chinese, where existing characters are combined to transparently denote new objects or concepts.