化ける|ばけるbakeru[2]nakadaka (mid-high)
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Definitions
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto take the form of (esp. in ref. to a spirit, fox, raccoon dog, etc.); to assume the shape of; to turn oneself into; to transform oneself into
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto disguise oneself (as)
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto change (into); to transform; to metamorphose
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto change radically (for the better); to transform; to improve dramatically and unexpectedly (e.g. of an actor, sportsperson, stock price); to make a complete turnaround
Conjugation
| Dictionary form | 化ける（ばける） |
|---|---|
| Polite (masu) | 化けます（ばけます） |
| Negative (nai) | 化けない（ばけない） |
| polite (masen) | 化けません（ばけません） |
| classical zu / nu | 化けず・化けぬ（ばけず・ばけぬ） |
| Past (ta) | 化けた（ばけた） |
| polite (mashita) | 化けました（ばけました） |
| Past negative (nakatta) | 化けなかった（ばけなかった） |
| polite (masen deshita) | 化けませんでした（ばけませんでした） |
| Te form | 化けて（ばけて） |
| Potential | 化けられる（ばけられる） |
| Passive | 化けられる（ばけられる） |
| Causative | 化けさせる（ばけさせる） |
| Causative passive | 化けさせられる（ばけさせられる） |
| Conditional (ba) | 化ければ（ばければ） |
| tara | 化けたら（ばけたら） |
| Volitional | 化けよう（ばけよう） |
| polite (mashou) | 化けましょう（ばけましょう） |
| Imperative | 化けろ（ばけろ） |
Common forms generated by rule; see the senses for honorific or irregular usage.
Transitive / intransitive pair
狐が美女に化ける
化ける focuses on the subject itself changing form (狐が美女に化ける), while 化かす focuses on deceiving or bewitching someone (狐が人を化かす).
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym化するかするWrittenA written verb for turning into a certain state, as in 「廃墟と化する」; it does not cover a monster taking another form or disguising itself.
- Synonym化すかすWrittenThe written godan form of 「化する」, meaning to become, as in 「灰燼に化す」; it likewise lacks the sense of monster transformation or disguise.
- Related成り変わるなりかわるNeutralA verb for turning into another thing or state, stressing the result of the change; unlike 「化ける」 it has no nuance of monster transformation or disguise.
- Antonym元に戻るもとにもどるNeutralA phrase meaning to revert to one's original state; it stands opposite 「化ける」, which is about transforming or changing form.
- Antonym正体現すNeutralThat is, 「正体を現す」: to reveal one's true form or expose one's real identity — the opposite of 「化ける」 in its disguise/transformation sense.
Use 「化ける」 for a monster or spirit taking another form or disguising itself, as in 「狐が人に化ける」. In written prose, 「化する」 is the choice for turning into a state. To say someone or something shows its true form, use 「正体を現す」.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
