1. Kanji Breakdown: 化
This kanji represents the concept of transformation and change in form or nature.
Meaning: To change, to transform; -ization, -ification. It indicates a process of transformation or the result of such a process.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): カ (ka), ケ (ke)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): ば（ける） (ba(keru)), ば（かす） (ba(kasu))
The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (亻): This is the "person" radical (にんべん).
Right (匕): This component originally depicted a "spoon for serving food," but here it represents a "reversed person" (人).
Thus, the character vividly illustrates the idea of "a person (亻) turning into something else (匕 - a reversed person)." This is the essence of transformation or change.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "化" has 4 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 4
Start with the left radical "亻" (person radical):
Then, write the right part "匕":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "亻" is narrow.
The right part "匕" should be balanced with the left side. The final vertical hook (はね) is important.
The overall character should feel dynamic, as if showing movement or change.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "化" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
化ける (ばける, bakeru)
Meaning: To transform, to disguise oneself; to turn into (often mysteriously or supernaturally).
Example: 狐が美女に化けた。
Romaji: Kitsune ga bijo ni baketa.
English: A fox transformed into a beautiful woman.
文化 (ぶんか, bunka)
Meaning: Culture.
Example: 日本文化に興味があります。
Romaji: Nihon bunka ni kyōmi ga arimasu.
English: I am interested in Japanese culture.
変化 (へんか, henka)
Meaning: Change, variation.
Example: 時代の変化についていけない。
Romaji: Jidai no henka ni tsuite ikenai.
English: I can't keep up with the changes of the times.
化学 (かがく, kagaku)
Meaning: Chemistry (the study of the transformation of matter).
Example: 化学の実験をする。
Romaji: Kagaku no jikken o suru.
English: To do a chemistry experiment.
近代化 (きんだいか, kindaika)
Meaning: Modernization.
Example: 国の近代化が進んでいる。
Romaji: Kuni no kindaika ga susunde iru.
English: The country's modernization is progressing.
化粧 (けしょう, keshō)
Meaning: Make-up, cosmetics.
Example: 彼女は化粧が上手だ。
Romaji: Kanojo wa keshō ga jōzu da.
English: She is good at applying makeup.
Summary
Kanji: 化
Core Meaning: To Change, To Transform; -ization.
Readings: On'yomi カ (ka), Kun'yomi ばける (bakeru)
Stroke Order: 4 strokes. Remember it's composed of 亻 (person) and 匕 (reversed person). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its dynamic form.
This kanji is incredibly versatile and appears in countless words related to change, transformation, and various fields of study. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character.