変化

• Reading: へんか
• Romaji: henka
• Kanji breakdown: 変 (hen) — change, unusual; 化 (ka) — transform, change into
• Pronunciation: /heŋ.ka/

Meaning

Change; variation; transformation. A shift in state, form, or condition.

A noun and suru verb (変化する, to change). Intransitive — the subject itself changes. For changing something externally, use 変更する. Common patterns: 気温の変化 (temperature change), 大きな変化 (a major change), 変化に対応する (to adapt to change). Used across everyday, academic, and business contexts.

Examples

1. 最近の天気の変化が激しくて体調を崩した。 The drastic changes in the weather lately made me feel sick.
2. テクノロジーの変化についていくのは大変だ。 It's tough keeping up with the changes in technology.
3. 留学してから自分の考え方が変化した。 My way of thinking changed after studying abroad.

Usage Guide

Context: science, daily life, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 変 (hen, to change/unusual) and 化 (ka, to transform/-ize). Together, 'to undergo transformation' — a fundamental concept in both science and philosophy.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal