化ける [ばける] /(v1,vi) (1) to take the form of (esp. in ref. to a spirit, fox, raccoon dog, etc.)/to assume the shape of/to turn oneself into/to transform oneself into/(v1,vi) (2) to disguise oneself (as)/(v1,vi) (3) to change (into)/to transform/to metamorphose/(v1,vi) (4) to change radically (for the better)/to transform/to improve dramatically and unexpectedly (e.g. of an actor, sportsperson, stock price)/to make a complete turnaround/(P)/EntL1186710/