化(ば)け物(もの)

ばけもの
noun
monster, ghost, apparition
1. monster, ghost, apparition, supernatural creature
A supernatural being that has transformed or shapeshifted — ghosts, spirits, and creatures from Japanese folklore that take on different forms. Derived from 化(ば)ける (to transform).
古(ふる)い屋敷(やしき)に化(ば)け物(もの)が出(で)る。
Monsters appear in the old mansion.
子(こ)どもの頃(ころ)、化(ば)け物(もの)の話(はなし)が怖(こわ)かった。
When I was a child, I was scared of monster stories.
日本(にほん)の昔話(むかしばなし)には様々(さまざま)な化(ば)け物(もの)が登場(とうじょう)する。
Various monsters appear in Japanese folktales.
2. freak, monster (figurative)
Used figuratively for a person with extraordinary, almost inhuman abilities or characteristics — often in admiration of exceptional talent or physical capability.
あの選手(せんしゅ)は化(ば)け物(もの)だ。
That athlete is a monster.
化(ば)け物(もの)みたいな体力(たいりょく)の持(も)ち主(ぬし)だ。
He has monster-like stamina.
彼女(かのじょ)の記憶力(きおくりょく)は化(ば)け物(もの)じみている。
Her memory is freakishly good.

From 化(ば)ける (to transform) + 物(もの) (thing). In Japanese folklore, 化(ば)け物(もの) specifically refers to creatures that shapeshift or transform, such as fox and tanuki spirits. Broader than 幽霊(ゆうれい) (ghost of a dead person).

Common patterns

Related Words

Compare: おばけ (ghost, monster)
Compare: モンスター (monster)
Compare: 魔物(まもの) (demon)
general
Added 2026.2.18 23:19 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
11500/11929_bakemono