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化
化 (readings: か, け, ばけ; Japanese kanji) means “to change / to transform”. It is a Grade 3 Kyōiku kanji, taught in year 3 of Japanese elementary school, and appears in words such as 文化 (culture).
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What does 化 mean?
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葉の色が化ける。
はのいろがばける。The color of the leaves changes.
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Full details, readings & example
| Kanji | 化 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | to change / to transform |
| Readings | か, け, ばけ |
| Grade | Grade 3 (Medium) |
| Curriculum | Kyōiku kanji · Japanese elementary school |
| Example | 文化 (culture) |
How to read 化
化 is read か or け or ばけ depending on the word.
Words with 化
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Updated: 2026-08-09