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.