変: the kanji for change; strange
変 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means change; strange. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
変 is written in 9 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
変 has 3 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).
ヘン (hen)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 変化へんか · henka | change |
| 大変たいへん · taihen | tough; serious |
かわる (kawaru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 変わるかわる · kawaru | to change |
かえる (kaeru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 変えるかえる · kaeru | to change (something) |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 季節の変化を感じます。Kisetsu no henka o kanjimasu.I feel the change of seasons.
- 今日は大変忙しかった。Kyō wa taihen isogashikatta.Today was terribly busy.
- 天気が急に変わった。Tenki ga kyū ni kawatta.The weather changed suddenly.
- 会議の時間を変えました。Kaigi no jikan o kaemashita.I changed the time of the meeting.
- 彼女の考え方が最近変わった。Kanojo no kangaekata ga saikin kawatta.Her way of thinking has changed recently.
Questions about 変
How many strokes does 変 have?
変 is written in 9 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 変?
The on readings are hen (ヘン). The kun readings are kawaru (かわる), kaeru (かえる).
What JLPT level is 変?
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 変
- 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.