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 化ける (to transform).
古い屋敷に化け物が出る。
Monsters appear in the old mansion.
子どもの頃、化け物の話が怖かった。
When I was a child, I was scared of monster stories.
日本の昔話には様々な化け物が登場する。
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.
あの選手は化け物だ。
That athlete is a monster.
化け物みたいな体力の持ち主だ。
He has monster-like stamina.
彼女の記憶力は化け物じみている。
Her memory is freakishly good.
From 化ける (to transform) + 物 (thing). In Japanese folklore, 化け物 specifically refers to creatures that shapeshift or transform, such as fox and tanuki spirits. Broader than 幽霊 (ghost of a dead person).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 化け物が出る (a monster appears)
- 化け物みたいな (monster-like, freakish)
- 化け物じみている (freakish, monstrous)
- 化け物屋敷 (haunted house)