碳

• Pinyin: tàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 碳 = 石 (stone) + 炭 (charcoal, phonetic)

Meaning

Carbon. The chemical element (C), fundamental to organic chemistry and life.

The chemical element carbon, as opposed to 炭 (charcoal). Used in scientific and environmental contexts — 碳排放 (carbon emissions), 低碳 (low-carbon), 碳中和 (carbon neutral). Central to climate change discussions.

Examples

1. 中国承诺在2060年前实现碳中和，这是一项艰巨的任务。 China has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 — this is a monumental task.
2. 我们每个人都应该减少碳排放，为环境保护做贡献。 Each of us should reduce our carbon emissions to contribute to environmental protection.
3. 碳是有机化合物的基本元素，是生命存在的基础。 Carbon is the fundamental element of organic compounds and the basis of life.

Usage Guide

Context: scientific, environmental, technical

Tone: technical

Do Say

• 碳排放是气候变化的主要原因。(Carbon emissions are the main cause of climate change.)
• 低碳生活从我做起。(Low-carbon living starts with me.)

Don't Say

• 把'碳'和'炭'混淆 (碳 is the chemical element; 炭 is charcoal the material)

Origin & History

Pictophonetic: 石 (stone) for meaning, 炭 (tan4) for sound. Created in modern times for the chemical element.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal