化ける

Reading

Kana: ばける

Romaji: bakeru

Definitions

v1

vi

1

to take the form of (esp. in ref. to a spirit, fox, raccoon dog, etc.); to assume the shape of; to turn oneself into; to transform oneself into

2

to disguise oneself as

3

to change radically; to metamorphose

4

to improve unexpectedly and dramatically (esp. of an actor, artist, rikishi, etc.)

Kanji

化

Readings: カ、 ケ、 ば.ける、 ば.かす、 ふ.ける、 け.する

Meanings: change, take the form of, influence, enchant, delude, -ization

Example Sentences

猫(ねこ)は化(ば)けると言(い)われる。

➥It is said that cats can shape-change.

大器晩成(たいきばんせい)の大物(おおもの)と言(い)われて久(ひさ)しいけど、彼(かれ)、いつになったら化(ば)けるのかね。

➥I haven't heard anyone call him a late bloomer in a while. But I do wonder when he's going to grow up.