Meaning and Usage
The verb 変わる (かわる) means "to change" or "to be transformed" and is an intransitive verb, meaning the subject itself undergoes the change without a direct object. It is commonly used to describe natural or situational changes such as seasons, attitudes, or opinions.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 変わる when talking about changes in weather, time, feelings, or conditions. For example, "季節が変わる" (the season changes) or "態度が変わる" (attitude changes).
Collocations and Patterns
- 季節が変わる: to describe seasonal changes
- 態度が変わる: to describe a change in someone's attitude
- 意見が変わる: to describe a change in opinion
- 時間が変わる: to describe a change in time or schedule
Register and Politeness
変わる is neutral and can be used in both casual and polite contexts. When speaking politely, you might use the ます-form 変わります.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 変わる (intransitive) with 変える (かえる, transitive), which means "to change something." Remember 変わる is used when the subject changes by itself, while 変える requires a direct object that is being changed.