noun
Refers to charcoal as a material, fuel, or drawing medium. Common in cooking, heating, and art contexts.
バーベキューに炭を使う。
We use charcoal for the barbecue.
彼は炭でスケッチを描いた。
He drew a sketch with charcoal.
noun
charred remains
Rare use for something that has been burned to charcoal-like remains, such as after a fire.
火事の後、家は炭のようになっていた。
After the fire, the house was like charred remains.