変身(へんしん)

へんしん
noun, suru verb
transformation, metamorphosis
1. transformation, metamorphosis, makeover
A dramatic change in appearance, form, or nature. Used for both literal transformations (in fiction, mythology) and figurative ones (personal reinvention, dramatic makeovers).
ヒーローが変身(へんしん)した。
The hero transformed.
ダイエットで別人(べつじん)のように変身(へんしん)した。
Through dieting, she transformed as if into a different person.
その静(しず)かな町(まち)は観光地(かんこうち)として大(おお)きく変身(へんしん)を遂(と)げた。
That quiet town underwent a great transformation as a tourist destination.

USAGE:
Iconically associated with Japanese tokusatsu (live-action superhero) shows where heroes shout "変身(へんしん)!" to trigger their transformation. Beyond fiction, used for dramatic real-life makeovers (fashion, weight loss) and figurative transformations of places or organizations.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 変身(へんしん)する: to transform
  • 変身(へんしん)を遂(と)げる: to undergo a transformation
  • 華麗(かれい)な変身(へんしん): splendid transformation
  • 劇的(げきてき)な変身(へんしん): dramatic transformation
  • 変身(へんしん)ポーズ: transformation pose (tokusatsu)

SIMILAR WORDS:
変身(へんしん) implies a dramatic, visible change in form or appearance. 変装(へんそう) (disguise) is about altering appearance to hide identity. 変容(へんよう) (transformation) is more formal and used for gradual, abstract changes.

Related Words

Contrast: へんそう
general
Added 2026.2.20 13:57
12000/12099_henshin