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How to Say "carbon" in Spanish

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carbono

/kar-BOH-noh//kaɾˈβono/

nounB1scientific
Use 'carbono' when referring to the chemical element in a scientific or technical context, such as in chemistry or biology.
A pile of black, porous charcoal chunks on a white background.

Examples

El carbono es esencial para la vida en la Tierra.

Carbon is essential for life on Earth.

El diamante es una forma de carbono puro.

Diamond is a form of pure carbon.

Debemos reducir nuestra huella de carbono para proteger el planeta.

We must reduce our carbon footprint to protect the planet.

El carbono es la base de toda la vida en la Tierra.

Carbon is the basis of all life on Earth.

Gender of 'carbono'

Since it ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it.

Carbono vs. Carbón

Mistake: “Using 'carbono' when you mean 'coal'.”

Correction: Use 'carbono' for the chemical element or environmental topics, and 'carbón' for the black rock used as fuel or for a BBQ.

carbón

nounC1general
Use 'carbón' when referring to the element in a more general or everyday context, or specifically when talking about coal as a fuel.

Examples

La revolución industrial se impulsó con carbón.

The industrial revolution was powered by coal.

Confusing 'carbono' and 'carbón'

Learners often confuse 'carbono' and 'carbón' because both can mean the element. Remember that 'carbono' is the precise scientific term, while 'carbón' more commonly refers to coal, especially when discussing fuels or historical contexts.

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