Translation and Meaning of: 化ける - bakeru

The Japanese word 「化ける」(bakeru) is quite intriguing and rich in meaning within Japanese culture. In essence, the term means "to transform" or "to change form." This transformation can be both physical and spiritual, and because of this, it has a broad use in Japanese vocabulary, often referring to the act of metamorphosing or significantly altering form. The expression is frequently connected to legends and myths where creatures take on other forms.

Etymologically, 「化ける」(bakeru) is composed of the kanji 「化」, which by itself carries the meaning of "change" or "transformation," and is also associated with metamorphosis phenomena in other contexts. The verb 「化ける」is derived from this concept of intrinsic transformation or change of state, reinforcing the idea of mutability present in Japanese language and culture. In many Japanese myths and stories, beings capable of changing their form are common, which reflects the popularity of the term.

Culturally, 「化ける」(bakeru) is fundamental to understanding certain aspects of the Japanese mindset regarding spirits and legendary creatures. A famous creature is the "kitsune," a fox that, according to folklore, can transform into a human, using its disguise abilities to either deceive or assist humans in traditional tales. This type of narrative, where beings transcend their original appearance, has further solidified the meaning of 「化ける」in Japanese oral and written traditions.

The word has also found space in modern and everyday contexts, not limited to legends. For example, when referring to someone who undergoes a significant transformation in appearance or behavior, one can use 「化ける」to illustrate this dramatic change. This ability to adapt and renew is part of the fluid individual and social identity, a theme constantly explored in contemporary Japanese literature and cinema.

Vocabulary

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Verb conjugation of 化ける

• 化ける - Positive present form
• 化けている - Positive form present progressive
• 化けた - Positive past form
• 化けたい - Positive conditional form
• 化けない - Present Negative Form

Synonyms and similar words

• 変わる (kawaru) - Change, modify.
• 変化する (henka suru) - Transformation, significant change.
• 変じる (henjiru) - Change, alter (more formal or literary).
• 変身する (henshin suru) - Transform, especially in a context of metamorphosis or shape change.
• 化身する (keshin suru) - To embody, to take on a new form, usually used in spiritual or mythological contexts.
• 化ける (bakeru) - Changing shape, transforming (often used in the context of hauntings or creatures).
• 化粧する (kesho suru) - Makeup, apply cosmetics.
• 変える (kaeru) - Change, alter (the action of changing something).
• 変わり果てる (kawari hateru) - Change completely, often in a sense of loss.
• 変わり映えする (kawaribae suru) - To have a visible or noticeable change.
• 変わり者になる (kawari mono ni naru) - To become a peculiar, different person.
• 変わり身をする (kawari mi o suru) - Changing appearance or identity dynamically.
• 変わり易い (kawari yasui) - Easily changeable.
• 変わり映えのない (kawari bae no nai) - No visible changes, monotonous.
• 変わり映えのある (kawari bae no aru) - With visible changes, varied.
• 変わりばえしない (kawari bae shinai) - Without change, no differentiation.
• 変わりやすい (kawari yasui) - Easily changeable.
• 変わりやすさ (kawari yasusa) - The quality of being easily changeable.
• 変わりやすくする (kawari yasuku suru) - Facilitate the change.
• 変わりやすさを減らす (kawari yasusa o herasu) - Reduce the ease of change.
• 変わりやすさを増やす (kawari yasusa o fuyasu) - Increase the ease of change.