The word **门诊 (ménzhěn)**, meaning "outpatient service" or "clinic," is a classic example of a Chinese compound word formed through semantic combination. It consists of the character **门 (mén)**, meaning "gate" or "door," and **诊 (zhěn)**, meaning "to diagnose" or "to consult a doctor." Literally, it evokes the image of diagnosis or consultation happening **at the gate**—historically referring to the practice where a doctor would see patients at the entrance or front area of a medical establishment. Over time, this evolved into its modern institutional meaning, designating the department where non-admitted patients receive medical examination and treatment, perfectly capturing the function through its component parts.