柄(がら)

がら
noun
pattern, design; build; character
1. pattern, design
A decorative design on fabric, paper, or other surfaces.
花(はな)柄(がら)のワンピース
A floral-patterned dress
この着物(きもの)は柄(がら)がとても美(うつく)しい。
The pattern on this kimono is very beautiful.
派手(はで)な柄(がら)のシャツは仕事(しごと)には向(む)かない。
A shirt with a flashy pattern is not suitable for work.
2. build, physique
The size and shape of a person's body.
彼(かれ)は柄(がら)が大(おお)きい。
He has a large build.
柄(がら)の小(ちい)さい人(ひと)が大(おお)きなスーツケースを運(はこ)んでいた。
A person of small build was carrying a large suitcase.
父(ちち)は柄(がら)が大(おお)きいので、電車(でんしゃ)の席(せき)が狭(せま)そうだ。
My father has a large build, so train seats seem cramped for him.
3. character, nature
A person's typical behavior or personality.
そんなことは私(わたし)の柄(がら)じゃない。
That's not like me.
彼女(かのじょ)は柄(がら)がいいので、みんなに好(す)かれている。
She has a good character, so everyone likes her.
嘘(うそ)をつくのは彼(かれ)の柄(がら)に合(あ)わない。
Telling lies does not suit his character.

柄(がら) has multiple related meanings around pattern, build, and character.

SENSE 1 - PATTERN:

  • 花(はな)柄(がら) (floral pattern)
  • 縞(しま)柄(がら) (striped pattern)
  • 水玉(みずたま)柄(がら) (polka dot pattern)
  • 無地(むじ) (no pattern, solid)

SENSE 2 - BUILD:

  • 柄(がら)が大(おお)きい (large build)
  • 小柄(こがら) (small build)
  • 大柄(おおがら) (large build)

SENSE 3 - CHARACTER:

  • 〜柄(がら)じゃない (not like one's character)
  • 〜にも似合(にあ)わぬ柄(がら) (uncharacteristic of ~)
  • 人柄(ひとがら) (personality, character)

OTHER READING:

  • 柄(え) = handle (different reading)
general
Added 2026.1.11 19:14 · Revised 2026.2.26 8:58
02500/02609_gara