Translation guide
The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages, or a complete change of form, structure, or substance.
The natural process where an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure.
The standard biological term for metamorphosis in insects, amphibians, etc. It is a neutral scientific term, but note that the same word also means 'pervert' in colloquial Japanese, so context is important.
In casual conversation, 変態 is much more commonly used to mean 'pervert'. Use with care outside scientific contexts.
Butterflies are insects that undergo complete metamorphosis.
A frog's metamorphosis is completed when its tail disappears.
Used as a suffix in compounds like 完全変態 (complete metamorphosis) or 不完全変態 (incomplete metamorphosis).
Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis go through larval, pupal, and adult stages.
The verb form meaning 'to undergo metamorphosis'.
The larva becomes a pupa and eventually metamorphoses into an adult.
Specifically refers to the emergence of an adult insect from the pupa, i.e., eclosion. Not a general term for metamorphosis.
The emergence of cicadas is a summer tradition.
A striking change in appearance, character, or circumstances, often for the better.
Commonly used for a dramatic change in appearance or identity, like in superhero transformations or makeovers. It implies a change into something else, often with a sense of disguise or new persona.
She transformed with makeup, looking like a completely different person.
A general word for change or transformation. It can be used for gradual or abstract changes, not necessarily as dramatic as 'metamorphosis'.
Emphasizes a big or complete transformation, often used in makeover contexts.
Literally 'molting' or 'shedding skin', used metaphorically for breaking free from an old self or situation and starting anew.
A change of form or nature, often magical or symbolic, as in Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' or Ovid's tales.
Used for Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis' (変身). It is the standard translation for such literary transformations.
Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' is a masterpiece of absurdist literature.
Sometimes used in literary or mythological contexts for a change of form, but less common than 変身 for narrative transformations. It can sound more scientific or technical.
The title of Ovid's work is usually translated as 『変身物語』, but the word 変態 may appear in descriptions. Using 変身 is safer.
The word 変態 (へんたい) is the correct biological term for metamorphosis, but in everyday Japanese it overwhelmingly means 'pervert' or 'sexual deviant'. Unless the context is clearly scientific, using 変態 can cause misunderstanding or embarrassment. For non-scientific transformations, use 変身 (へんしん) or 変化 (へんか).
変身 (へんしん) implies a change into a different form or identity, often sudden and complete, like a disguise or magical transformation. 変化 (へんか) is a broader term for any kind of change, gradual or abstract. For 'metamorphosis' in the sense of a dramatic personal transformation, 変身 is usually more appropriate.
The protagonist transforms using magical power.
The town has undergone a great transformation.
The room underwent a complete metamorphosis with the redecoration.
He shed his old self and started a new life.
Ovid's 'Metamorphoses' depicts transformations from Greek mythology.