Japanese word

変形

Pronunciation

Romajihenkei

Meaning

  • nountransformation

Example

このおもちゃは変形します。ko no o mo cha wa hen kei shi ma su

This toy transforms.

Illustration for 変形 (transformation)

More examples

輸送中の衝撃で部品が変形することがあります。yu sō chū no shō geki de bu hin ga hen kei su ru ko to ga a ri ma su

Shock during shipping can cause a part to deform.

Core concept

Centers on a change in shape that makes an object or situation take a different form.

Common phrases

  • 変形するhen kei su ru

    transform

  • 変形を防ぐhen kei o fuse gu

    prevent deformation

  • 変形の原因hen kei no gen in

    cause of deformation

Similar words

変化henka: A broad change in a person, object, or situation that may affect any aspect.
変身henshin: A change into a different appearance or form, often involving a person or character.
変貌henbō: A marked change in the appearance or character of something.

Definition in Japanese

物の形を変え、もとの形とは異なる状態にすること、またはその変化。mono no katachi o ka e mo to no katachi to wa koto na ru jō tai ni su ru ko to ma ta wa so no hen ka

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 変 (hen, "change") + 形 (kei, "form") literally expresses the idea of changing a form.

Usage tips

  • Unlike 変化 (henka), which covers change more broadly, 変形 (henkei) focuses on a change in shape or form.

Other meanings

  • deformationnoun
  • modificationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 変形性henkeiseideformabilitynoun

Word lists with this word