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.
彼女は小柄な女性だ。
She is a petite woman.
小柄だが力が強い。
He is small but strong.
小柄な体を生かして、狭い場所でもすばやく動ける。
Using her small frame to advantage, she can move quickly even in tight spaces.
USAGE:
小柄 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 (large build, big-framed).
COLLOCATIONS:
- 小柄な人 — a small-framed person
- 小柄な体 — a small body
- 小柄な女性 — a petite woman
SIMILAR WORDS:
背が低い simply means short in height. 小柄 describes the overall frame being small, not just height. 華奢 means slender and delicate, emphasizing fragility rather than just small size.