How to say "transformation" in Japanese

• 変換へんかんCommon
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers transformation in the technical sense of converting something into another form or state, such as converting data, signals, or energy. This is the usual word for such systematic conversion.
  このファイルをウインドウズ９５対応たいおうのファイルに変換へんかんして再送さいそうしてくれますか。↗

  Could you convert this file into a Windows 95 compatible file and re-send it?
• 変形へんけいCommon
  suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verb, no-adjectiveRefers to transformation as a change in shape or form — something being bent, reshaped, or deformed. It suits physical or geometric changes rather than abstract or organizational change.
  私の議論ぎろんはある意味いみでは、『孤独こどくな群集ぐんしゅう』でデビュド・リースマンが行おこなった議論ぎろんを変形へんけいしたものである。↗

  In a sense, I am turning around the argument made by David Riesman in The Lonely Crowd.
• 変態へんたいCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbIn the sense of transformation it is chiefly a biological term for metamorphosis, as when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. Outside that technical use it more commonly means perversion, so it is rarely the word you want for everyday 'transformation'.
• 変身へんしんCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbDescribes a person or creature transforming into a different form, covering metamorphosis, shapeshifting, and disguise. It is the natural choice for dramatic or story-like physical transformations.
  「そっかぁ、アルクさんはワーウルフなんですね」「俺おれは混血こんけつだから変身へんしんしたりはしねーよ」↗

  "Oh, right, you're a werewolf, aren't you?" "I'm mixed blood, so I don't transform or anything."
• 変革へんかくJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbUsed for large-scale, far-reaching transformation of society, institutions, or systems — closer to reform or revolution. Choose it when 'transformation' implies sweeping, fundamental change rather than a technical or physical one.
  大統領だいとうりょうの演説えんぜつはアメリカ国民こくみんに変革へんかくをもたらした。↗

  The President's speech brought about a change in the American people.

Use 変換 for technical conversion of data or energy, 変形 for changes of shape, 変態 for biological metamorphosis, 変身 for a person or thing changing form, and 変革 for sweeping social or institutional reform.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 変換へんかんchange
• 変形へんけいtransformation
• 変態へんたいtransformation
• 変身へんしんmetamorphosis
• 変革へんかくchange
• 変容へんようchange in appearance
• 変貌へんぼうtransfiguration
• 変幻へんげんtransformation
• 変質へんしつalteration (of character or essence)
• 化成かせいchange
• 様変わりさまがわりchanging completely
• 転化てんかchange
• 変化へんかchange
• トランスフォーメーションtransformation
• 変圧へんあつtransformation (of a current)
• 転成てんせいtransformation
• 形質転換けいしつてんかんtransformation
• 式変形しきへんけいtransformation (of a formula or expression)
• 大化けおおばけchange
• 変化へんげtransformation
• 状態変化じょうたいへんかtransformation