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二氧化碳 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
二氧化碳èryǎnghuàtàncarbon dioxide CÓHSK 6, nz, rank #11813, Hard
二氧化碳èryǎnghuàtàncarbon dioxide CO2HSK 6, unknown, rank #11813, Hard
èryǎnghuàtàn(er4yang3hua4tan4) T4
  1. 1carbon dioxide CÓ
  2. 2carbon dioxide CO2
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March 24, 2026
二氧化碳èryǎnghuàtàn(er4yang3hua4tan4)

二氧化碳 refers to carbon dioxide, a colorless gas that is vital for life on Earth. It is produced by the respiration of animals and plants, and is also a byproduct of combustion. In scientific and environmental contexts, understanding this compound is essential, particularly regarding climate change and photosynthesis.

Frequency#11813DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In China, the awareness of air quality and pollution has led to a strong emphasis on understanding carbon dioxide and its impact on climate change. This has become part of educational curricula as environmental issues gain urgency.

Memory Tip

Imagine two oxygen atoms (二氧) holding hands with a carbon atom (碳), forming a trio like a happy family. The '化' in the middle can represent their bond, indicating a transformation or combination, which helps recall the word '二氧化碳.' This imagery connects the components to the concept of carbon dioxide.

Meanings of 二氧化碳

èryǎnghuàtàn(er4yang3hua4tan4)
1carbon dioxide CÓ
2carbon dioxide CO2
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 二氧化碳

二氧化碳Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
其它专名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#11813Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 二氧化碳

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Podcast: 二氧化碳

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AI Study Notes for 二氧化碳

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine two oxygen atoms (二氧) holding hands with a carbon atom (碳), forming a trio like a happy family. The '化' in the middle can represent their bond, indicating a transformation or combination, which helps recall the word '二氧化碳.' This imagery connects the components to the concept of carbon dioxide.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 二氧化碳 with other gases like 一氧化碳 (carbon monoxide). It's important to use the correct term, especially in scientific discussions. The term is neutral and used in both formal and informal settings, but it is predominantly found in environmental science contexts.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 二氧化碳 connects well with terms related to environmental science and chemistry. Students should focus on related vocabulary about gases, atmospheric conditions, and their implications in climate discussions.

Cultural Note

In China, the awareness of air quality and pollution has led to a strong emphasis on understanding carbon dioxide and its impact on climate change. This has become part of educational curricula as environmental issues gain urgency.

Common Mistakes

Learners might mistakenly write 二氧化碳 as '二氧化' alone, omitting '碳.' Remember, the complete term is essential for clarity. Additionally, some may confuse its pronunciation, especially the tone on '碳'; it should be pronounced with a falling tone (tan4).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 二氧化碳

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Component Characters

二èrtwo
HSK 12 strokes二
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氧yǎngoxygen (chemistry)
HSK 710 strokes气
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化huàto make into
HSK 54 strokes匕
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碳tàncarbon (chemistry)
HSK 714 strokes石
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Write 二氧化碳

二
氧
化
碳

Practice writing 二氧化碳 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 二氧化碳

二氧化碳 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

碳化合物氧化后必然会产生____。

Carbon dioxide is a necessary result of the oxidation of carbon compounds.

Example Sentences for 二氧化碳 (4)

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1
碳化合物氧化后必然会产生二氧化碳。

tàn huà hé wù yǎng huà hòu bì rán huì chǎn shēng èr yǎng huà tàn。

Carbon dioxide is a necessary result of the oxidation of carbon compounds.
2
两种主要的燃烧产物是水蒸气和二氧化碳。

liǎng zhǒng zhǔ yào de rán shāo chǎn wù shì shuǐ zhēng qì hé èr yǎng huà tàn。

The two principal combustion products are water vapor and carbon dioxide.
3
火星的大气层极其稀薄，几乎全部由二氧化碳构成。

huǒ xīng de dà qì céng jí qí xī báo， ， jī hū quán bù yóu èr yǎng huà tàn gòu。

Mars has an insubstantial atmosphere, consisting almost entirely of carbon dioxide.
4
碳是一种(化学)元素, 而二氧化碳则是一种化合物.

tàn shì yī zhǒng( ( huà) xué ), yuán sù , ér èr yǎng huà tàn zé shì yī zhǒng.

Carbon is an element, while carbon dioxide is a compound.

Cultural Notes for 二氧化碳

🏮Cultural insight

In China, the awareness of air quality and pollution has led to a strong emphasis on understanding carbon dioxide and its impact on climate change. This has become part of educational curricula as environmental issues gain urgency.

Frequently Asked Questions about 二氧化碳

二氧化碳 (carbon dioxide) has two oxygen atoms, while 一氧化碳 (carbon monoxide) has one. This difference is crucial, as carbon monoxide is toxic.