Definition
煤炭 (méi tàn) is the formal, technical term for 'coal' as a natural resource or industrial fuel. In everyday speech, 煤 (méi) is more common for simple 'coal', while 炭 (tàn) usually refers to charcoal (wood charcoal), though it can also mean coal in compounds. Use 煤炭 when discussing mining, reserves, or large-scale energy production.
noun
coal
Examples
- 煤炭。Zhōngguó shì shìjiè shàng zuì dà de méi tàn shēngchǎn guó.China is the world's largest coal producer.
- 煤炭。Ránshāo méi tàn huì chǎnshēng dàliàng èryǎnghuàtàn.Burning coal produces a large amount of carbon dioxide.
- 煤炭。Zhège dìqū yǐ fēngfù de méi tàn zīyuán wénmíng.This region is famous for its abundant coal resources.
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