変革する
変革する en 30 segundos
- A formal verb meaning to fundamentally transform or reform a large-scale system, organization, or mindset.
- Commonly used in business (Digital Transformation), politics (Social Reform), and historical analysis (Revolutions).
- Implies a deliberate, difficult, and systemic change rather than a natural or minor one.
- Grammatically functions as a suru-verb, often taking 'structure' or 'consciousness' as its object.
The Japanese verb 変革する (henkaku suru) is a powerful term that translates to 'to transform,' 'to reform,' or 'to revolutionize.' Unlike the simpler verb 変化する (henka suru), which merely describes a change occurring, henkaku suru implies a deliberate, fundamental, and often systemic overhaul of an existing structure, system, or mindset. It is composed of two kanji: 変 (change) and 革 (leather/reform). The second kanji, 革, is particularly evocative; it originally depicted an animal hide being stripped and tanned to create leather—a process of radical transformation from something raw and perishable into something durable and useful. This etymological root underscores that henkaku suru is not about superficial tweaks but about core-level reconstruction.
- Connotation
- This word carries a strong sense of progress and intentionality. It is frequently used in contexts where the status quo is no longer functional and a 'new era' or 'new system' is required. It sounds formal, professional, and visionary.
AI技術は、私たちの働き方を根本から変革する可能性を秘めている。
(AI technology holds the potential to fundamentally transform the way we work.)
In modern Japanese society, you will encounter this word most frequently in business manifestos, political speeches, and academic discussions about social change. When a CEO speaks about 'Digital Transformation' (DX), they are talking about henkaku—not just buying new computers, but changing the very logic of how the business operates. Similarly, in history, the 'Meiji Restoration' is often discussed using terms related to henkaku because it represented a total shift in the Japanese state's identity and structure.
- Usage Contexts
- 1. Corporate Strategy: Reorganizing a company's hierarchy.
2. Social Activism: Changing long-standing cultural norms or legal systems.
3. Technological Innovation: How the internet changed communication.
若者たちが古い政治体制を変革するために立ち上がった。
(Young people stood up to reform the old political system.)
Furthermore, the word implies a struggle or a significant effort. Because it involves 'reform,' it suggests that the old way was rigid (like raw hide) and required heat, pressure, and skill to change. It is rarely used for natural phenomena like the weather changing or a person naturally growing older. Instead, it is a human-driven, conscious action directed at a specific target, usually a system (制度 - seido), a structure (構造 - kouzou), or an organization (組織 - soshiki).
- Grammar Note
- As a Suru-verb, it can take an object using the particle を (wo). For example: [Object] を変革する. It can also be used as a noun: 変革 (transformation/reform).
To master 変革する, you need to understand its syntactic flexibility. It functions primarily as a transitive verb, meaning you are acting upon something to change it. The most common structure is [Noun] を 変革する. This noun is typically something large-scale: a society, an industry, or a corporate culture.
リーダーシップの欠如が、組織を変革する妨げとなっている。
(A lack of leadership is acting as a barrier to transforming the organization.)
Notice how in the sentence above, 'henkaku suru' is used in its dictionary form to modify the noun 'samatage' (barrier). This is a very common pattern in formal writing. You can also use it in the passive voice—変革される—when discussing how society is being changed by external forces like technology or globalization.
- Passive Example
- 社会は急速なデジタル化によって変革されつつある。(Society is being transformed by rapid digitalization.)
Another important aspect is the use of adverbs. Since henkaku suru is a strong word, it is often paired with adverbs that emphasize the depth or speed of the change. Common adverbs include 根本的に (konpon-teki ni - fundamentally), 大胆に (daitan ni - boldly), and 劇的に (gekiteki ni - dramatically).
私たちは既存のビジネスモデルを根本的に変革する必要がある。
(We need to fundamentally transform our existing business model.)
In formal business Japanese, you might see it in the potential form: 変革できる (can transform). This is often used when pitching a new product or strategy that promises to revolutionize an industry. 'This software can transform your workflow' would be a classic marketing line.
- Common Objects
- - 意識 (ishiki - consciousness/awareness)
- 制度 (seido - system/institution)
- 構造 (kouzou - structure)
- 時代 (jidai - era)
新しい教育システムは、子供たちの学び方を変革するだろう。
(The new education system will likely transform the way children learn.)
Finally, consider the difference between henkaku suru and kaikaku suru. While both involve reform, henkaku suru is more likely to be used for intangible things like 'consciousness' or 'values,' whereas kaikaku suru is very much tied to 'rules' and 'administrative structures.' If you are changing the soul of a company, use henkaku; if you are changing its tax filing procedure, use kaikaku.
You are most likely to encounter 変革する in environments where the focus is on the future, innovation, and leadership. It is not a word for casual 'water cooler' chat unless the topic is quite serious. Here are the primary domains where it flourishes:
- 1. The Corporate Boardroom
- In the age of 'Digital Transformation' (DX), Japanese companies are obsessed with the word 変革. You will hear it in 'New Year's Greetings' (年頭所感) from CEOs, where they call for employees to 'transform their mindsets' (意識を変革する) to survive global competition. It appears in vision statements and long-term strategy documents.
当社は、持続可能な社会を実現するために、ビジネスの在り方を変革してまいります。
(Our company will continue to transform our business practices to realize a sustainable society.)
- 2. News and Political Commentary
- News anchors and political analysts use henkaku when discussing major shifts in government policy or societal trends. For example, during a general election, a party might promise a 'Social Security Reform' (社会保障の変革). It sounds more grand and all-encompassing than simple 'updates' or 'changes.'
Additionally, documentary narrators love this word. When describing the Industrial Revolution or the rise of the internet, they will use henkaku to emphasize the magnitude of the shift. It adds a layer of historical weight to the narrative.
- 3. Academic and Intellectual Discourse
- In university lectures or TED-style talks in Japanese, speakers use henkaku suru to discuss paradigm shifts in science, philosophy, or sociology. It denotes a change in the 'frame' through which we see the world.
この発見は、物理学の常識を変革するほどの影響力がある。
(This discovery is influential enough to transform the common sense of physics.)
Finally, you might see it in self-help or leadership books. Titles like 'How to Transform Yourself' (自分を変革する方法) are common. Here, it implies a deep, personality-level change rather than just picking up a new hobby. It suggests becoming a 'new version' of oneself through rigorous self-reflection and discipline.
Because 変革する is a high-level word, the most common mistake is using it for 'small' or 'natural' changes. Japanese has many words for 'change,' and choosing the wrong one can make you sound overly dramatic or simply unnatural.
- Mistake 1: Natural/Physical Changes
- Don't use henkaku suru for the weather, your hair color, or getting older. For these, use 変わる (kawaru) or 変化する (henka suru).
❌ 天気が変革した。(The weather transformed/reformed.)
✅ 天気が変わった。(The weather changed.)
The word henkaku requires a 'structure' or 'system' to work on. The weather doesn't have a 'policy' or a 'business model' that can be reformed in the sense of henkaku.
❌ 彼は髪型を変革した。
✅ 彼は髪型を変えた。
(He changed his hairstyle. Using 'henkaku' here sounds like his hair is a government department.)
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Kaikaku' (改革)
- While often interchangeable, kaikaku is almost always about correcting something that is 'broken' or 'inefficient' in a formal system (like a tax reform). Henkaku is broader and can be about creating something entirely new. If you use henkaku for a minor administrative fix, it sounds too grandiose.
- Mistake 3: Particle Errors
- Since it is a transitive verb, you must use を for the thing you are changing. Students often mistakenly use に because they think of 'changing into' something. If you want to say 'transform A into B,' use AをBへと変革する.
❌ 社会に変革する。
✅ 社会を変革する。
(Transform society.)
Finally, avoid using it in very informal settings. Saying '変革しよう!' (Let's reform!) to your friends when deciding where to eat dinner is a joke at best and a linguistic mismatch at worst. Stick to kaeyou (変えよう) for daily life decisions.
To truly understand 変革する, you must see where it sits among its synonyms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'change,' each with its own flavor.
- 改革する (Kaikaku suru)
- Focuses on 'reforming' institutions or laws. It often implies removing bad parts and improving them.
Example: 規制改革 (Regulatory reform). - 変化する (Henka suru)
- The most neutral and common word for 'change.' It can be natural or intentional. It doesn't imply a 'fundamental overhaul' like henkaku does.
Example: 気温の変化 (Change in temperature). - 刷新する (Sasshin suru)
- Means to 'renovate' or 'refresh' something by sweeping away the old. Often used for personnel changes or image updates.
Example: 人事を刷新する (Refresh the personnel).
変革 (Henkaku) vs 転換 (Tenkan):
'Tenkan' means a 'switch' or 'pivot' in direction. 'Henkaku' is a deeper transformation of the thing itself. You 'tenkan' your strategy, but you 'henkaku' your entire industry.
In a professional setting, choosing between these can change the tone of your message significantly. Using henkaku signals that you are a visionary leader looking at the big picture. Using kaikaku signals you are a pragmatic administrator looking to fix problems.
- Other Alternatives
- - 改造する (Kaizou suru): To remodel/restructure (often physical objects or software).
- 修正する (Shuusei suru): To correct/amend (minor errors).
- 革命 (Kakumei): Revolution (used for historical upheavals like the French Revolution).
When you want to sound particularly sophisticated, you might use the phrase パラダイムシフト (Paradigm Shift) alongside henkaku. They are natural partners in high-level discourse about the future of technology and society.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The kanji 革 is used in the word for 'leather shoes' (革靴 - kutsu) and 'revolution' (革命 - kakumei). It implies a change so deep it changes the 'skin' of the thing.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'u' too strongly (it should be almost silent).
- Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese syllables have equal length).
- Mixing up 'henkaku' with 'henka' in speech.
- Making the 'r' sound like an English 'r' (it should be a flick of the tongue).
Nivel de dificultad
Requires knowledge of N2-level kanji '革'.
The kanji '革' can be tricky to write correctly (don't forget the strokes).
Easy to pronounce but hard to use in the right context.
Distinct sound, but easily confused with 'henka'.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Suru-verbs
変革する、勉強する、料理する
Passive Voice (Sarreru)
変革される (To be transformed)
Causative (Saseru)
変革させる (To make/let transform)
Volitional + to suru
変革しようとする (Try to transform)
Noun + no + Noun
社会の変革 (Transformation of society)
Ejemplos por nivel
この会社は大きく変革する予定です。
This company plans to transform greatly.
Simple [Noun] + [Verb] structure.
社会を変革するのは難しいです。
Transforming society is difficult.
Using 'no wa' to make the verb a subject.
私たちは未来を変革したい。
We want to transform the future.
Tai-form (want to).
新しいリーダーが国を変革する。
A new leader transforms the country.
Basic subject-object-verb.
デジタル技術が世界を変革した。
Digital technology transformed the world.
Past tense 'shita'.
古いやり方を変革しましょう。
Let's transform the old ways.
Mashou form (let's).
変革することは大切です。
Transforming is important.
Koto to make a noun phrase.
彼は自分の生活を変革した。
He transformed his own life.
Reflexive use (own life).
今の教育システムを変革する必要があります。
There is a need to transform the current education system.
Hitsuyou ga aru (there is a need).
彼女はビジネスの世界を変革しようとしている。
She is trying to transform the business world.
Volitional + to shite iru (trying to).
この町は10年で大きく変革されました。
This town was transformed greatly in 10 years.
Passive voice 'sareta'.
新しい法案が産業を変革するだろう。
The new bill will likely transform the industry.
Darou (probably/will).
私たちは意識を変革しなければならない。
We must transform our consciousness.
Nakereba naranai (must).
ITは私たちの生活を根底から変革した。
IT transformed our lives from the ground up.
Kondei kara (from the roots).
組織を変革するのは簡単ではない。
Transforming an organization is not easy.
Kantan dewa nai (not easy).
変革するための計画を立てましょう。
Let's make a plan to transform.
Tame no (for the purpose of).
市場のニーズに合わせて、会社を変革する。
Transform the company to match market needs.
Ni awasete (matching with).
この技術はエネルギー業界を変革する力がある。
This technology has the power to transform the energy industry.
Chikara ga aru (has the power).
伝統を守りつつ、古い制度を変革する。
Transform old systems while protecting tradition.
Tsutsu (while doing).
彼は社会を変革することに人生を捧げた。
He dedicated his life to transforming society.
Ni jinsei wo sasageru (dedicate life to).
変革を恐れずに新しいことに挑戦しよう。
Let's challenge new things without fearing transformation.
Osorezu ni (without fearing).
企業の文化を変革するのは時間がかかる。
It takes time to transform corporate culture.
Jikan ga kakaru (takes time).
インターネットは情報の流れを劇的に変革した。
The internet dramatically transformed the flow of information.
Gekiteki ni (dramatically).
私たちは自分たちの働き方を変革すべきだ。
We should transform our way of working.
Subeki (should).
グローバル化の波が、国内の産業構造を変革している。
The wave of globalization is transforming the domestic industrial structure.
Te-iru (progressive action).
リーダーには、組織を根本から変革する覚悟が必要だ。
A leader needs the determination to transform the organization from its roots.
Kakugo (determination/readiness).
その革命は、国の政治体制を完全に関革した。
That revolution completely transformed the country's political system.
Kanzen ni (completely).
AIの導入によって、製造プロセスが変革されつつある。
With the introduction of AI, manufacturing processes are being transformed.
Tsutsu-aru (in the process of).
既存の価値観を変革しなければ、生き残れない。
If we don't transform existing values, we cannot survive.
Nakereba... ikinokorenai (if not... cannot survive).
彼女の理論は、心理学の分野を永続的に変革した。
Her theory permanently transformed the field of psychology.
Eizoku-teki ni (permanently).
変革を成功させるためには、全社員の協力が不可欠だ。
To make the transformation successful, the cooperation of all employees is essential.
Fukaketsu (essential).
デジタルトランスフォーメーションは、単なるIT導入ではなく、経営そのものを変革することだ。
DX is not just about IT; it's about transforming management itself.
Noun + sono mono (itself).
明治維新は、日本という国家の在り方を根底から変革した歴史的出来事である。
The Meiji Restoration is a historical event that fundamentally transformed the nature of the Japanese state.
Formal descriptive sentence structure.
持続可能な開発目標(SDGs)は、世界の経済システムを変革することを求めている。
The SDGs call for transforming the global economic system.
Wo motomete iru (seeking/calling for).
技術革新がもたらす社会の変革に、法整備が追いついていない。
Legal frameworks are not keeping pace with the social transformation brought by technological innovation.
Oitsuite inai (not catching up).
真の変革を成し遂げるには、痛みを伴う改革も辞さない姿勢が求められる。
To achieve true transformation, an attitude that does not shy away from painful reforms is required.
Jisanai (not shy away from/not hesitate).
ポスト・パンデミックの世界では、都市の構造が劇的に変革されるだろう。
In the post-pandemic world, the structure of cities will likely be dramatically transformed.
Post- (prefix for after).
思想家たちは、言葉を通じて人々の認識を変革しようと試みてきた。
Thinkers have tried to transform people's perceptions through words.
Kokoro-mite kita (have tried to).
ブロックチェーンは、金融取引の透明性を高め、既存の仕組みを変革する可能性を秘めている。
Blockchain has the potential to increase transparency in financial transactions and transform existing mechanisms.
Kanousei wo himete iru (holds potential).
組織の慣習を打破し、抜本的に変革するためには、外部からの視点が必要だ。
An outside perspective is necessary to break down organizational customs and transform them drastically.
Bappon-teki ni (drastically/radically).
クーンのいうパラダイム・シフトとは、科学的探究の枠組みそのものが変革される過程を指す。
Kuhn's paradigm shift refers to the process in which the framework of scientific inquiry itself is transformed.
Quotation 'to wa' + 'wo sasu' (refers to).
資本主義の限界が叫ばれる中、富の再分配の仕組みをいかに変革するかが問われている。
As the limits of capitalism are being decried, the question is how to transform the mechanism of wealth redistribution.
Ikari... ka ga towarete iru (how to... is being questioned).
量子コンピュータの実用化は、計算の概念そのものを変革し、未知の領域を切り拓くだろう。
The practical application of quantum computers will transform the very concept of calculation and open up unknown territories.
Kiri-hiraku (open up/pioneer).
文化人類学的な視点は、私たちが当たり前だと思っている社会規範を変革する契機となり得る。
A cultural anthropological perspective can serve as an opportunity to transform social norms that we take for granted.
Keiki to nari uru (can become a catalyst/opportunity).
大規模な社会変革を断行するには、大衆の支持と強固な政治的意志の合致が不可欠である。
To carry out large-scale social transformation, the alignment of mass support and strong political will is essential.
Dankou suru (to carry out decisively).
自己変革のプロセスは、単なるスキルの習得ではなく、アイデンティティの再構築を意味する。
The process of self-transformation is not just about acquiring skills, but means the reconstruction of identity.
Saikouchiku (reconstruction).
環境危機の深刻化に伴い、人間と自然の共生関係を根本から変革することが急務となっている。
With the deepening environmental crisis, fundamentally transforming the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature has become an urgent task.
Kyuumu (urgent task).
歴史の転換点において、既存の権力構造を変革しようとする動きは常に激しい抵抗に遭う。
At turning points in history, movements attempting to transform existing power structures always encounter fierce resistance.
Teikou ni au (encounter resistance).
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— Leadership that drives transformation.
今、求められているのは変革のリーダーシップだ。
— To be forced or pressured to transform.
伝統産業は変革を迫られている。
— The wind of change/reform.
組織に変革の風が吹いている。
— Structural transformation.
日本経済には構造的変革が必要だ。
— Self-transformation.
成長には自己変革が欠かせない。
— The agent/subject of transformation.
市民こそが変革の主体である。
— Drastic/Radical transformation.
抜本的な変革を行わなければならない。
— The process of transformation.
変革のプロセスには時間がかかる。
— Industrial transformation.
第四次産業変革が進んでいる。
— A wave of transformation.
グローバル化の変革の波に乗る。
Se confunde a menudo con
Too simple. Use henkaku for systemic change.
More about fixing rules. Henkaku is about transforming essence.
Means 'to convert' (like data or currency).
Modismos y expresiones
— Literal meaning 'to skin,' but related to the 'kaku' in henkaku, implying a painful but necessary stripping of the old.
組織の皮を剥ぐような変革が必要だ。
Metaphorical— To change from the skeleton/framework.
建物を骨組みから変革する。
Common— To shed one's skin (grow up/mature).
変革を経て、会社は一皮むけた。
Informal— To change everything including the roots.
古い習慣を根こそぎ変革する。
Emphatic— To blow in a new wind (bring fresh ideas).
彼が組織に変革の新風を吹き込んだ。
Literary— To shake the foundation (often leading to henkaku).
不祥事が会社の土台を揺るがし、変革を促した。
Formal— To bring the curtain down (on an era), starting a henkaku.
旧体制は幕を閉じ、変革が始まった。
Literary— Birth pangs (the pain of creating/transforming something new).
変革には産みの苦しみが伴う。
Common— To replace the blood (bring in new people to transform).
経営陣の血を入れ替えて変革を図る。
Business Idiom— To turn the rudder (change direction drastically).
企業は変革に向けて大きく舵を切った。
CommonFácil de confundir
Both imply big change.
Kakumei is a 'revolution' (often political/violent). Henkaku is 'transformation' (often planned/systemic).
産業革命 vs 産業変革
Both mean making things new.
Sasshin is like a 'refresh' or 'clean sweep' of people/image. Henkaku is deeper.
人事を刷新する vs 組織を変革する
Both involve changing structure.
Kaizou is usually physical (remodeling a house/car). Henkaku is abstract (society/mindset).
内閣改造 vs 社会変革
Both mean change for the better.
Kousei is 'rehabilitation' (for criminals or bad habits). Henkaku is for systems.
非行少年の更生 vs 制度の変革
Both mean change.
Henshitsu often has a negative nuance (deterioration/alteration of quality).
肉が変質する vs 社会を変革する
Patrones de oraciones
AをBへと変革する
伝統を未来へと変革する。
変革を迫られている
多くの企業が変革を迫られている。
〜によって変革がもたらされる
新技術によって社会の変革がもたらされる。
意識の変革を図る
社員の意識の変革を図る。
変革を成し遂げる
ついに組織の変革を成し遂げた。
変革の波に抗う
時代の変革の波に抗うことはできない。
変革したいと思う
今の自分を変革したいと思う。
変革のチャンスだ
今こそ、会社を変革するチャンスだ。
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Verbos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Common in professional/media contexts.
-
天気が変革した。
→
天気が変わった。
Nature doesn't have a 'system' to reform.
-
服を変革する。
→
服を着替える。
Changing clothes is not a systemic transformation.
-
社会に変革する。
→
社会を変革する。
Needs the object particle 'wo'.
-
彼は変革な人だ。
→
彼は変革的な人だ。
Needs '-teki' to become an adjective.
-
昨日、考えを変革した。
→
昨日、考えを変えた。
Too dramatic for a simple change of mind.
Consejos
Visionary Tone
Use this word when you want to sound like you have a big vision for the future.
Suru-Verb Rule
Remember that you can use it as a noun (変革) or a verb (変革する).
Pair with Adverbs
Use '根本的に' (fundamentally) to emphasize the depth of change.
System Focus
Always apply it to a 'system' or 'structure' for natural usage.
DX Buzzword
If you work in IT, this word is your best friend for reports.
Formal Essays
It is a great word for JLPT N2/N1 essays about social issues.
Leather Symbolism
Remember the 'leather' kanji to recall the 'tough transformation' meaning.
Avoid Slang
Never use it in very casual slang unless being ironic.
Modern Japan
Associate it with Japan's current push for modernization and efficiency.
The Snake
Visualize a snake shedding skin (革) to remember the word.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'Hen' (Change) + 'Kaku' (Leather). To 'Henkaku' is to change the very skin (leather) of a system. You aren't just painting it; you're re-tanning the hide!
Asociación visual
Imagine a snake shedding its skin to reveal a completely new, stronger body. That 'shedding' is the essence of 変革.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to use 'henkaku suru' in a sentence about your own career goals during your next Japanese lesson.
Origen de la palabra
Derived from Middle Chinese roots. '変' (hen) means change or anomaly. '革' (kaku) originally meant animal skin or leather.
Significado original: The combination suggests a radical change, similar to how raw skin is processed into leather—a process that is irreversible and fundamental.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).Contexto cultural
Be careful not to use it for personal matters like 'reforming' a friend's personality, as it can sound condescending or overly aggressive.
Similar to 'disruption' in Silicon Valley speak, though 'henkaku' sounds more institutional.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Business Strategy
- DXを推進する
- 経営を刷新する
- 市場を変革する
- ビジョンを掲げる
Political Debate
- 制度を改革する
- 法案を提出する
- 社会の仕組み
- 国民の支持
Self-Improvement
- 自分を変える
- 習慣を打破する
- 意識の変革
- 目標達成
Technology News
- 技術革新
- 世界を一変させる
- AIの進化
- 次世代の基準
History Class
- 明治維新
- 産業革命
- 体制の崩壊
- 近代化
Inicios de conversación
"今の教育システムをどう変革すべきだと思いますか?"
"AIは私たちの生活をどのように変革するでしょうか?"
"あなたが自分自身を変革した経験はありますか?"
"会社を本気で変革するために必要なリーダーシップとは何ですか?"
"日本の伝統的な働き方は、今後変革されると思いますか?"
Temas para diario
もしあなたが国のリーダーだったら、どの法律を最初に関革しますか?
デジタル技術があなたの趣味や仕事をどう変革したか書いてください。
『自己変革』のために、明日から始められる小さな習慣を3つ挙げてください。
10年後の社会は、今の変革によってどうなっていると想像しますか?
変革を恐れる心と、どう向き合うべきか自分の考えを述べてください。
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, but it sounds very strong. It means you are completely changing who you are, like a 'self-reformation.' For simple changes, use 'kawaru' or 'kaeru'.
No, 'innovation' is usually 'gijutsu kakushin' (技術革新) or just 'innovation.' 'Henkaku' is the resulting transformation of the system.
In news and business, yes. In daily conversation with friends, no. It's like using the word 'paradigm shift' in English.
You can say 'dejitaru henkaku' or use the loanword 'DX (de-ekkusu)'.
Almost always positive or neutral. It implies progress and improvement.
No. The weather 'henka' (changes), it doesn't 'henkaku' (reform).
It means 'a period of transformation' (変革期), a time when everything is changing.
Yes, 'kaikaku' is very common in politics. 'Henkaku' is slightly more abstract and visionary.
Yes! It sounds like a hero's goal in an anime or a visionary's speech.
Ponte a prueba 190 preguntas
Translate to Japanese: 'We need to transform the education system.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Technology transformed our lives.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '意識を変革する'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The company is being transformed by AI.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '根本的に変革する'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'I want to transform myself.'
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Write a sentence using '社会を変革する'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'The Meiji Restoration transformed Japan.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '変革の波'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'Transforming an organization is difficult.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '変革者'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'Digital transformation (DX) is necessary.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '変革期'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'Don't fear transformation.'
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Write a sentence using '抜本的な変革'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'The revolution transformed the political system.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using '変革を成し遂げる'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'Values are transforming.'
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Write a sentence using '変革を促す'.
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Translate to Japanese: 'Let's transform the future together.'
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Explain the meaning of '変革する' in your own words.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Give an example of something that needs 'henkaku' in your country.
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Dijiste:
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Use '変革する' in a sentence about technology.
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Dijiste:
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What is the difference between 'henka' and 'henkaku'?
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Dijiste:
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Talk about a time you experienced '自己変革'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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How would a CEO use this word in a speech?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Describe the Meiji Restoration using 'henkaku'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Is 'henkaku' easy or difficult? Why?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Use the passive form '変革される' in a sentence.
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Dijiste:
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What kind of adverbs go with 'henkaku'?
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Dijiste:
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Roleplay: You are a politician promising 'henkaku'. What do you say?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Why is the kanji '革' used in this word?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Can you use 'henkaku' for the weather? Why not?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Name three things that can be the object of 'henkaku suru'.
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Dijiste:
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How do you say 'to be forced to transform'?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What is 'ishiki no henkaku'?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Discuss if AI is a 'henkaku' or just 'henka'.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Use 'henkaku' to describe a personal goal.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Pronounce '変革する' clearly.
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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What is a '変革期' and are we in one now?
Read this aloud:
Dijiste:
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Listen and write the word: [Audio of 'Henkaku']
Listen to the sentence: '社会を変革する。' What is being transformed?
Listen to the tone: Is '変革' usually said in a happy, sad, or serious tone?
Listen and identify the verb ending: '変革____'.
Listen: '抜本的な変革が必要です。' What kind of transformation is needed?
Listen: '意識を変革しましょう。' Who is being addressed?
Listen: '変革の波が来ています。' What is coming?
Listen: '制度は変革されました。' Is the change done or starting?
Listen: '変革者になりたい。' What does the speaker want to be?
Listen: '技術が世界を変革した。' What caused the change?
Listen: '自己変革は難しい。' What is difficult?
Listen: '変革を恐れないで。' What is the advice?
Listen and pick the synonym: [Audio: 'Henkaku']
Listen: '産業構造を変革する。' What structure is mentioned?
Listen: '変革期に入った。' What did they enter?
/ 190 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use '変革する' (henkaku suru) when you are talking about a major 'overhaul' or 'transformation' of a system or mindset. Example: '意識を変革する' (transforming one's consciousness) is a key phrase in Japanese leadership.
- A formal verb meaning to fundamentally transform or reform a large-scale system, organization, or mindset.
- Commonly used in business (Digital Transformation), politics (Social Reform), and historical analysis (Revolutions).
- Implies a deliberate, difficult, and systemic change rather than a natural or minor one.
- Grammatically functions as a suru-verb, often taking 'structure' or 'consciousness' as its object.
Visionary Tone
Use this word when you want to sound like you have a big vision for the future.
Suru-Verb Rule
Remember that you can use it as a noun (変革) or a verb (変革する).
Pair with Adverbs
Use '根本的に' (fundamentally) to emphasize the depth of change.
System Focus
Always apply it to a 'system' or 'structure' for natural usage.
Contenido relacionado
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de academic
絶対的
B2Absoluto; que no depende de nada ni está limitado por ninguna condición. Tiene un poder absoluto.
絶対的に
B1De manera absoluta o incondicional. 'Es absolutamente necesario.'
抽象的だ
B1Abstract; existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence.
抽象
B2Existente en el pensamiento o como una idea pero sin tener una existencia física o concreta. Se refiere a la generalización o extracción de la esencia de algo, lejos de detalles específicos. (El arte abstracto es un ejemplo común.)
抽象的に
B1De manera abstracta o teórica. Se usa para ideas o conceptos, no para cosas físicas.
学術的な
B1Relacionado con el estudio universitario serio, la investigación o la ciencia; académico.
学術的だ
B1Académico; relativo a la educación y la erudición. Es un enfoque muy académico.
学術的
B2Academic; relating to education and scholarship.
学術
B1Academia, erudición; relativo a las actividades académicas.
学力
B1La capacidad académica es el nivel de conocimiento en materias escolares.