煤炭 — meaning in English: coal

méitàn · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for coal

客户

kèhù

煤炭

méitàn

核数师

hé shù shī

工艺

gōngyì

时间

Shíjiān

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 煤炭 (méitàn) in discussions about energy production, environmental issues, or when referring to historical industrial activities in China. For instance, during a conversation about transitioning to renewable energy sources, one might say, '我们仍然依赖煤炭来发电' (We still rely on coal for electricity generation).

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 煤炭 is 煤 (méi), which also means 'coal' but is often used in more casual contexts. 煤炭 is more specific and might be preferred in formal discussions about energy policies or environmental science.

Culture

The word 煤炭 (méitàn) has deep historical roots in China, a country that has heavily relied on coal for its energy needs since the Qing Dynasty. Interestingly, '煤' (méi) means 'coal' and '炭' (tàn) refers to 'carbon,' reflecting its elemental makeup. This word not only embodies the fuel of industrialization but also represents the ongoing debate about environmental sustainability in modern China.

FAQ

Q.What is the significance of coal in China's energy policy?

Coal remains a cornerstone of China's energy policy, providing over half of the country's electricity. However, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning to cleaner energy sources due to environmental concerns.

Q.How do I use 煤炭 in a sentence?

You can use 煤炭 in a sentence like, '中国的电力生产主要依赖煤炭' (China's electricity generation mainly relies on coal). This showcases the term in a realistic and relevant context.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using the word 煤炭?

A common mistake is confusing 煤 (méi) with 煤炭 (méitàn). While both mean 'coal,' 煤 is more general and can refer to coal in everyday conversation, whereas 煤炭 is more technical and specific.

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