化: the kanji for change; transform
化 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means change; transform. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
化 is written in 4 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
化 has 4 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 4 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
カ (ka)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 変化へんか · henka | change |
| 文化ぶんか · bunka | culture |
| 化学かがく · kagaku | chemistry |
ばける (bakeru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 化けるばける · bakeru | to disguise oneself; to transform |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 天気は急に変化した。Tenki wa kyū ni henka shita.The weather changed suddenly.
- …日本の文化に興味があります。Nihon no bunka ni kyōmi ga arimasu.I'm interested in Japanese culture.
- 高校で化学を勉強しました。Kōkō de kagaku o benkyō shimashita.I studied chemistry in high school.
- …この町は数年で大きく変化した。Kono machi wa sūnen de ōkiku henka shita.This town has changed a lot in a few years.
- 物語の中で狐が人間に化けた。Monogatari no naka de kitsune ga ningen ni baketa.In the story, the fox transformed into a human.
Questions about 化
How many strokes does 化 have?
化 is written in 4 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 化?
The on readings are ka (カ), ke (ケ). The kun readings are bakeru (ばける), bakasu (ばかす).
What JLPT level is 化?
N3. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Qualities and conditions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 化
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.