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.

COMPOUNDS (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)

COMPOUNDS (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)

COMMON EXPRESSIONS (sense 3, character):

〜柄(がら)じゃない (not like one's character)
柄(がら)にもない (out of character, unlike oneself)
人柄(ひとがら) (personality, character)

Watch out

柄(え) = handle (different reading)

Related Words

Antonym: 無地(むじ) (plain)

general

Added 2026.1.11 19:14 · Revised 2026.10.10 3:34

02500/02609_gara