Kanji

What does the kanji 化 mean?

化 means change, transform; become. On'yomi カ、ケ. Kun'yomi ば.ける、ば.かす、ふ.ける、け.する.

Quick facts
On'yomi	カ、ケ
Kun'yomi	ば.ける、ば.かす、ふ.ける、け.する
Strokes	4
Main radical	匕
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N3

化On'yomi カ、ケKun'yomi ば.ける、ば.かす、ふ.ける、け.する

N3 · estimated, JLPT framework4 strokes

change, transform; become

Memory hook

Two figures facing opposite ways, one already changed into another form — CHANGE, TRANSFORM.

Main radical

匕spoon 2 strokes

Built from

Stroke order · 4 strokes

1
2
3
4

Common words

化学かがくchemistry
化粧けしょうmakeup
文化ぶんかculture
化けるばけるto transform, to disguise oneself

More words with this kanji

変化へんかchange
酸化さんかoxidation
強化きょうかstrengthening, reinforcement
消化しょうかdigestion; to absorb, to grasp; to use up (fully)
～化～か-ization, to become, to turn into (suffix)
化合かごうchemical combination
化石かせきfossil
化繊かせんsynthetic fiber
悪化あっかworsening, deterioration
進化しんかevolution
文化財ぶんかざいcultural property, cultural asset
退化たいかdegeneration, atrophy

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