(とちがら)

とちがら
noun
local character, nature of a place
1. local character, nature of a place, regional characteristics
The distinctive qualities, atmosphere, or customs of a particular area or locale. Encompasses the climate, culture, customs, and general feel of a place. The suffix 柄 here means "nature" or "character."
この(あた)りは土地柄(とちがら)外国人(がいこくじん)(おお)い。
Given the nature of this area, there are many foreigners.
土地柄(とちがら)もあって、海産物(かいさんぶつ)豊富(ほうふ)だ。
Due in part to the nature of the area, seafood is abundant.
下町(したまち)土地柄(とちがら)なのか、近所(きんじょ)(ひと)たちは()さくで(した)しみやすい。
Perhaps because of the character of this old downtown area, the neighbors are friendly and approachable.

USAGE:
土地柄(とちがら) often appears as an explanation for why something is the case in a particular area. Common patterns include 土地柄(とちがら)もあって (partly because of the local character) and この土地柄(とちがら)では (in a place like this). The suffix (がら) denotes inherent character or nature, as in 人柄(ひとがら) (personality).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 土地柄(とちがら)もあって: partly because of the area
  • 土地柄(とちがら)反映(はんえい)する: to reflect the local character
  • 土地柄(とちがら)か: perhaps because of the area