化ばける

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

take the form of; transform into (supernatural)

Primarily used for supernatural beings such as foxes, raccoon dogs, or spirits changing their appearance. Often appears in folktales and fantasy contexts.

• 狐きつねが美うつくしい娘むすめに化ばけて、旅たび人びとをだました。

  The fox took the form of a beautiful girl and tricked the traveler.

• あの老ろう婆ばは実じつは狸たぬきが化ばけているんだ。

  That old woman is actually a raccoon dog in disguise.

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

disguise oneself as

Used when a person changes their appearance to look like someone else, often for deception or undercover work.

• スパイは清せい掃そう員いんに化ばけて、会かい社しゃに潜せん入にゅうした。

  The spy disguised himself as a cleaner and infiltrated the company.

• 犯はん人にんは警けい官かんに化ばけて逃にげようとした。

  The criminal tried to escape by disguising himself as a police officer.

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

change into; transform; metamorphose

General transformation, not limited to supernatural or disguise. Can describe physical or abstract changes, such as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly or a situation changing completely.

• 芋いも虫むしが美うつくしい蝶ちょうに化ばけた。

  The caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly.

• 彼かれの不ふ安あんは怒いかりに化ばけた。

  His anxiety turned into anger.

ichidan verb, intransitive verb

improve dramatically; make a complete turnaround

Describes a surprising, radical improvement in performance, appearance, or value. Often used for actors, athletes, or stock prices that suddenly become much better.

• 彼かれはトレーニングを積つんで、別べつ人じんのように化ばけた。

  He trained hard and transformed into a completely different player.

• あの俳はい優ゆうはこの役やくで見み事ごとに化ばけた。

  That actor made a stunning transformation in this role.