小柄(こがら)

こがら
na-adjective, noun
small build, petite
size
1. small build, petite, small-framed
Having a small body frame. Describes a person who is short and slight in build. Generally used as a neutral or gentle description, not rude.
彼女(かのじょ)は小柄(こがら)な女性(じょせい)だ。
She is a petite woman.
小柄(こがら)だが力(ちから)が強(つよ)い。
He is small but strong.
小柄(こがら)な体(からだ)を生(い)かして、狭(せま)い場所(ばしょ)でもすばやく動(うご)ける。
Using her small frame to advantage, she can move quickly even in tight spaces.

Usage

小柄(こがら) is a polite and neutral way to describe someone who is small in stature. It is not rude or offensive. It is the opposite of 大柄(おおがら) (large build, big-framed).

Common collocations

Similar words

背(せ)が低(ひく)い simply means short in height. 小柄(こがら) describes the overall frame being small, not just height. 華奢(きゃしゃ) means slender and delicate, emphasizing fragility rather than just small size.

Related Words

Antonym: 大柄(おおがら) (large build)
Related: 華奢(きゃしゃ) (slender, delicate)
Compare: 小(こ)ぶり (smallish)
Related: やせ形(がた) (slender build)
Compare: 中肉中背(ちゅうにくちゅうせい) (medium build)
general
Added 2026.2.21 14:26 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
12000/12362_kogara