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16
化

Change, Transform

ばける (bakeru), ばかす (bakasu)

JLPT N3

Interesting Fact

Japanese folklore has the word 化け物 (bakemono), commonly translated as "monster" or "supernatural creature." 👹 The interesting part is 化ける (bakeru)—to transform or disguise oneself. A creature doesn't necessarily start out looking like a monster; it can change its appearance and reveal its true nature later. That's why old Japanese ghost stories often feel like mystery stories: Who—or what—is actually hiding behind that human face?

Memory Trick

One person(亻) stands upright, then suddenly bends and transforms into a completely different person—that’s 化!

Readings

Onyomi: カ (ka), ケ (ke)

Kunyomi: ばける (bakeru), ばかす (bakasu)

Example Words

文化
ぶんか (bunka)
Culture
変化
へんか (henka)
Change
化学
かがく (kagaku)
Chemistry
消化
しょうか (shouka)
Digestion

Example Sentence

町は大きく変化しました。

まち は おおきく へんか しました。

machi wa ookiku henka shimashita

The town changed greatly.

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