～化
～か · ～ka · JLPT N2 · noun
action of making something
🐛🦋 ～化 works like English -ize or -ification: 近代化 = modern + ize
The kanji 化 joins a standing person with an upside-down person, meaning change or transformation. Put it after a noun to mean turning into that thing: 自動化 = automation, 映画化 = film adaptation.
化 — person 亻 + spoon/upside-down person 匕
化 is an associative compound showing a standing person 亻 next to 匕, originally a depiction of a person turned upside-down. Together they suggest a figure transforming from one state to another, giving the core meaning 'change' or 'transform'. The character later extended to senses like 'convert', 'influence', and the noun suffix '-ization'.