Quick answer
変 is the kanji for "Change". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is か.わる (kawaru). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Change
Also : Strange · Unusual
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 変 represents 'UNUSUAL'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of unusual.
On-reading: へん — remember this sound by associating it with unusual. Kun-reading: か.わる.
Example Sentences
気候変動が問題になっています。
きこうへんどうがもんだいになっています。
Climate change is becoming a problem.
考え方を変えてみました。
かんがえかたをかえてみました。
I tried changing my way of thinking.
Vocabulary using 変
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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