What is Philosophy?

I want to understand what philosophy means in simple terms. What does the study of philosophy focus on, and why is it important in everyday life? I’ve heard that it deals with big questions about life, knowledge, reality, and ethics, but I’m not clear on how it actually works as a field of study. Can someone explain philosophy in a beginner-friendly way, including its main branches and how it helps people think more clearly about life and the world?