261.化


1. Meaning and Reading

  • change, transform, influence
  • Onyomi : ,
  • Kunyomi : ける

2. Kanji Explanation

  • 亻 : person
  • 匕 : upside-down person

The contrast between an upright person (亻) and an inverted person (匕) represents the cycle of life and death, symbolizing transformation.

kanji illustration

3. Example Words

化粧 けしょう
makeup

I go out wearing makeup.

文化 ぶんか
culture

I learn about Japanese culture.

化け物 ばけもの
monster

A monster appears in the folktale.