Translation guide
Expresses a change in form, nature, or state. Japanese uses different verbs depending on whether the change is gradual, sudden, magical, or metaphorical.
To express that something changes into something else, often gradually or as a process.
General verb for 'to change' or 'to be transformed'. Used for both concrete and abstract changes. Intransitive.
町は大きく変わった。
The town has been greatly transformed.
彼の態度が変わった。
His attitude has been transformed.
More formal or technical term for 'to change' or 'to undergo transformation'. Often used in scientific or objective contexts.
物質が化学的に変化する。
The substance is chemically transformed.
To undergo a complete or sudden transformation. Emphasizes a dramatic change.
状況が一変した。
The situation was completely transformed.
To express that something turns into a specific new form or thing, often with a clear result.
Pattern using 変わる to indicate what something changes into. The result is marked by に.
水が氷に変わる。
Water is transformed into ice.
夢が現実に変わった。
The dream was transformed into reality.
Suffix-like verb meaning 'to change into', often used in compounds or literary contexts. Can be intransitive.
Formal/literary verb for 'to change' or 'to transform'. Can be used intransitively.
To express transformation as in fairy tales, magic, or supernatural changes, often involving a complete change of appearance.
To transform one's body or appearance, as in superheroes or magical girls. Intransitive.
魔法少女が変身する。
The magical girl transforms.
彼は狼に変身した。
He transformed into a wolf.
To disguise oneself as something else; to take on a different form, often used for ghosts, animals, or tricksters.
To express that a person's character, feelings, or situation is transformed in a non-physical way.
To be reborn or completely transformed as a person; to turn over a new leaf.
彼は新しい仕事で生まれ変わった。
He was transformed by his new job.
Idiomatic phrase meaning 'it's like a different person', used when someone's behavior or personality has changed dramatically.
彼は人が変わったように優しくなった。
He has been transformed and become kind, like a different person.
English 'be transformed' is passive, but Japanese often uses intransitive verbs (変わる, 変化する) to express a change that happens on its own. If an external agent causes the transformation, use the transitive form (変える, 変化させる) or passive voice (変えられる).
町は戦争で変えられた。
The town was transformed by the war. (passive, external cause)
変わる is the everyday word for change. 変化する is more formal and often used for systematic or scientific transformation. In casual speech, 変わる is preferred.
The chrysalis is transformed into a butterfly.
姿が変ずる。
The form is transformed.
The fox transforms into a human.