変

• Reading: へん
• Romaji: hen
• Kanji breakdown: 変 (hen/ka) — strange, change, unusual
• Pronunciation: /heɴ/

Meaning

Strange; odd; peculiar; weird. Describes something unusual or out of the ordinary.

A na-adjective frequently used in casual conversation. 変な人 (hen na hito, a weird person) and 変な音 (hen na oto, a strange sound) are very common collocations. Can also function as a noun meaning something strange. Less harsh than おかしい (funny/suspicious) and more casual than 奇妙 (bizarre).

Examples

1. あの人は変な帽子をかぶっている。 That person is wearing a weird hat.
2. 昨日から変な音がパソコンからする。 There's been a strange noise coming from my computer since yesterday.
3. 何か変だと思ったら、すぐに先生に言ってください。 If you notice anything odd, tell the teacher right away.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, reactions, description

Tone: casual

Origin & History

The kanji 変 originally depicted a person with twisted or tangled threads at the top. The idea of something tangled or twisted evolved into the meaning of something altered, unusual, or strange.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal