Translation guide
The English verb 'transform' means to change something completely, often in a dramatic or fundamental way. In Japanese, the best translation depends on what is changing and how. Common verbs include 変える (change), 変身する (change form, like a superhero), 一変させる (completely change a situation), and 転換する (convert or shift). For mathematical or technical transformations, 変換する is used. This guide helps you choose the right word for the context.
To make a significant change to the physical form, appearance, or fundamental nature of a person, object, or abstract thing.
The most general verb for 'change'. It can be used for transforming something when the change is intentional and often significant. It is transitive (takes a direct object).
彼はその部屋をまったく変えた。
He completely transformed the room.
新しい政策が国を変えた。
The new policy transformed the country.
Means 'to completely change' or 'to revolutionize'. It emphasizes a dramatic, often sudden transformation of a situation, landscape, or condition. It is a transitive verb.
インターネットは私たちの生活を一変させた。
The internet has transformed our lives.
Specifically means to transform someone or something into a different form, like in magic or fiction. It is the causative form of 変身する (to transform oneself).
魔法使いがカエルを王子に変身させた。
The wizard transformed the frog into a prince.
To describe something that changes its own form, appearance, or nature dramatically, without an external agent being specified.
To change the purpose, system, or fundamental character of something, often in a technical or systematic way.
Means 'to convert' or 'to shift'. It is used for transforming systems, policies, or directions. It can be transitive or intransitive.
会社は事業をITに転換した。
The company transformed its business to IT.
To apply a mathematical transformation, such as Fourier transform or coordinate transformation.
The standard term for mathematical or scientific transformations. It is transitive.
フーリエ変換を行う。
Perform a Fourier transform.
To describe a complete and often sudden change in form, as in fairy tales or biology.
The go-to word for magical or physical transformation of a person or creature. Intransitive.
魔法少女に変身する。
Transform into a magical girl.
変える (transitive) means someone changes something. 変わる (intransitive) means something changes by itself. For 'transform', if you are actively transforming something, use 変える. If something is undergoing transformation, use 変わる.
English often uses 'transform into' for changes. In Japanese, the particle に is used with verbs like 変身する or 変わる. Do not try to translate 'into' as a separate word.
The intransitive counterpart of 変える. It means 'to change' or 'to be transformed'. Use this when the subject itself undergoes the transformation.
町はすっかり変わった。
The town has completely transformed.
彼の性格は大きく変わった。
His personality transformed greatly.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to undergo a complete change'. Often used for situations, landscapes, or atmospheres that change dramatically.
状況が一変した。
The situation transformed completely.
Means 'to transform oneself' or 'to change one's form', like a superhero or a magical creature. It is intransitive and often used in fiction.
彼は狼に変身した。
He transformed into a wolf.
The policy transformed significantly.
Means 'to convert' in a technical or mathematical sense, like transforming data, energy, or units. It is transitive.
データを別の形式に変換する。
Transform the data into another format.
交流を直流に変換する。
Transform alternating current into direct current.
Biological term for metamorphosis, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly. Also used in a derogatory sense for 'pervert', so use with caution.
Avoid using this word in non-biological contexts, as it commonly means 'pervert'.
芋虫が蝶に変態する。
The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
He transformed into a monster.
He transformed into a monster.