About
The character 炭, which remains consistent in its traditional form, is structurally composed of the semantic element 厂, representing a cliff or shelter, placed above the component 灰, which itself signifies ashes. This construction visually and conceptually conveys the process of producing charcoal by smoldering wood under an earthen cover to create a combustible carbon material. Its core meaning has consistently denoted this specific manufactured fuel, but over centuries its application broadened to encompass mineral coal as well, reflecting the expanded use of similar solid fuels. Thus, while its graphic form has remained largely unchanged, its semantic scope widened from referring strictly to charcoal to include a broader category of carbon-based fuels, anchoring its identity in the fundamental concept of a burned substance used for heat.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我们烧炭取暖。
炭火很温暖。
工厂需要很多煤炭。
他用炭笔画了一幅画。
炭烤的食物很美味。
这种炭燃烧时间很长。
煤炭工业对环境有影响。
科学家在研究清洁炭技术。