noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
transformation; change of form
A somewhat formal or literary word for changing into a different form or nature. For everyday 'change', 変化 is usually more neutral.
物語の中で、青年は夜になると獣へと変態する。
In the story, the young man transforms into a beast at night.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
abnormality; deviance
Refers to an abnormal or deviant state, not necessarily sexual. As a standalone modern word this use can sound uncommon or technical, and it may be confused with the much more common 'pervert' sense.
古い専門書では、変態が異常な状態を指す語として使われることがある。
In older technical books, 変態 is sometimes used as a word for an abnormal state.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Often colloquial and derogatory when used of a person. It is an abbreviation of 変態性欲, but in everyday speech 変態 commonly means 'pervert' or 'creep'.
See also: 変態性欲
下着を盗むなんて、変態だよ。
Stealing underwear? That's perverted.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Biology term for an organism changing form during development, such as a tadpole becoming a frog or a larva becoming an adult insect.
オタマジャクシは変態してカエルになる。
A tadpole undergoes metamorphosis and becomes a frog.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
phase transformation; transition; modification
Technical use in chemistry and physics, especially for a material or structure changing phase, crystal form, or modification.
加熱すると、この合金は別の結晶構造へ変態する。
When heated, this alloy transforms into a different crystal structure.