Translation and Meaning of: 変 - hen

The Japanese word 「変」 (hen) is deeply rich in meaning and history. This term is widely used in both modern Japanese and in historical and cultural contexts. The etymology of 「変」 originates from the combination of two radicals: 「⺾」, which suggests change or transformation, and 「夂」, which implies action or movement. Together, they form a character that carries the idea of change or alteration, central aspects of the various ways the expression is used.

In the linguistic context, 「変」 is often used to designate something that is strange, unusual, or out of the ordinary. In Japanese, when someone or something is described as 「変」, it often refers to peculiarity or eccentricity. This word is therefore commonly used in combination with other terms to form more specific concepts, such as in 「変な味」 (hen na aji), which means "strange taste."

Historically, the conception of 「変」 has evolved alongside the Japanese language and culture. During the Heian period, for example, the understanding of transformation and change was deeply rooted in Japan's spiritual and philosophical practices. The notion of impermanence and continuous transformation can be seen reflected in various cultural perspectives, where 「変」 is often evocative of metamorphosis and innovation.

The word 「変」 also manifests in a variety of contexts and meanings. In psychological terms, it can denote changes in mood or behavior, while in social terms, it can indicate changes in norms and expectations. Additionally, in more technical contexts, such as in science and technology, 「変」 often refers to changes in systems or processes.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 異なる (kotonaru) - Be different; vary.
• 変化する (henka suru) - Change; transform; undergo alteration.
• 変更する (henkou suru) - Change; modify.
• 変わる (kawaru) - Change; undergo transformation.
• 変える (kaeru) - Change; swap; alter something.
• 変容する (henyou suru) - Transform; profound change.
• 変貌する (henbou suru) - Transform; take on a new appearance.
• 変革する (henkaku suru) - Revolutionize; significant reform.
• 変身する (henshin suru) - Transform; metamorphosis.
• 変質する (henshitsu suru) - Change nature; alter in essence.

変

Romaji: hen
Kana: へん
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: change; incident; disturbance; strange; flat (music); odd; peculiar; suspicious looking; weird; eccentric; funny

Meaning in English: change;incident;disturbance;strange;flat (music);odd;peculiar;suspicious-looking;queer;eccentric;funny

Definition: A different state or appearance.

Example Sentences - (変) hen

See below some example sentences:

著しい変化が起こった。

Choushii henka ga okotta

Significant Change has Occred.

Significant changes occurred.

• 著しい - adjective that means "notable" or "significant"
• 変化 - noun that means "change" or "transformation"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 起こった - verb in the past form that means "occurred" or "happened"

見出しを書くのは大変です。

Mitsukeshi wo kaku no wa taihen desu

Writing a title is difficult.

It's hard to write a headline.

• 見出し - Title
• を - Particle that indicates the object of the action
• 書く - Write
• のは - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 大変 - Difficult, laborious
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present
• . - Period

視点を変えることで新しい発見がある。

Shiten wo kaeru koto de atarashii hakken ga aru

Changing the point of view can lead to new discoveries.

There is a new discovery by changing the point of view.

• 視点 (shiten) - point of view
• を (wo) - object particle
• 変える (kaeru) - change/alter
• ことで (koto de) - through
• 新しい (atarashii) - new
• 発見 (hakken) - discovery
• が (ga) - subject particle
• ある (aru) - exist/have

設定を変更する必要があります。

Settei wo henkou suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

You need to change the settings.

• 設定 - means "configuration" in Japanese.
• を - it's a particle of the object in Japanese, indicating that "configuration" is the object of the action.
• 変更する - is a verb that means "to change" or "to alter" in Japanese.
• 必要があります - It is an expression that means "it is necessary" or "needs to be done" in Japanese.

習慣は第二の天性である。

Shuukan wa daini no tensei de aru

The habit is the second natural nature.

• 習慣 - habit
• は - Topic particle
• 第二 - Second
• の - Possessive particle
• 天性 - innate nature
• で - state particle
• ある - verb to be"