化ける (Bakeru) is a Japanese ichidan verb meaning “to take the form of (esp. in ref. to a spirit, fox, raccoon dog, etc.), to assume the shape of, to turn oneself into, to transform oneself into”.
Meanings
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto take the form of (esp. in ref. to a spirit, fox, raccoon dog, etc.); to assume the shape of; to turn oneself into; to transform oneself into
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto disguise oneself (as)
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto change (into); to transform; to metamorphose
- ichidan verb, intransitive verbto change radically (for the better); to transform; to improve dramatically and unexpectedly (e.g. of an actor, sportsperson, stock price); to make a complete turnaround
Examples
猫は化けると言われる。
It is said that cats can change shape.
Sentences from Tatoeba (CC BY 2.0 FR).