1.
to transform, to take the form of, to appear as
To change one's appearance or form, especially said of supernatural beings (foxes, tanuki, ghosts) disguising themselves as humans or other things.
狐が人に化ける。
A fox transforms into a human.
狸は何にでも化けると言われている。
They say tanuki can transform into anything.
幽霊が美しい女に化けて現れた。
A ghost appeared, disguised as a beautiful woman.
2.
to change drastically, to be transformed
Used figuratively for dramatic changes in character, ability, or circumstances.
あの選手は大きく化けた。
That player underwent a dramatic transformation.
静かな町が観光地に化けた。
The quiet town transformed into a tourist destination.
練習次第で大化けする可能性がある。
Depending on practice, there's a chance of a dramatic breakthrough.
Deeply rooted in Japanese folklore where foxes (狐) and tanuki (狸) are believed to have shapeshifting powers. The figurative sense 2 is common in sports and business contexts.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 狐が化ける — a fox transforms
- 大化けする — to undergo a huge transformation
- 化けの皮が剥がれる — one's true colors are revealed (lit. the disguise peels off)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 変身する — to transform (more neutral, used for heroes/costumes)
- 変わる — to change (general)