大柄(おおがら)

おおがら
na-adjective, noun
large-framed; big-built; bold-patterned
1. large-framed; big-built; of large build
Describes a person who has a large physical frame or stature.
彼(かれ)は大柄(おおがら)な男性(だんせい)だ。
He is a large-framed man.
大柄(おおがら)な体格(たいかく)を生(い)かしてラグビーを始(はじ)めた。
He took advantage of his large build and started playing rugby.
兄(あに)は家族(かぞく)の中(なか)で一番(いちばん)大柄(おおがら)で、百八十(ひゃくはちじゅう)センチ以上(いじょう)ある。
My older brother has the largest build in the family, standing over 180 centimeters tall.
2. bold-patterned; large-patterned
Describes fabric, clothing, or designs with large, bold patterns.
大柄(おおがら)な花柄(はながら)のワンピースを買(か)った。
I bought a dress with a bold floral pattern.
大柄(おおがら)のチェックは目立(めだ)つ。
Bold check patterns stand out.
小柄(こがら)な人(ひと)が大柄(おおがら)な柄(がら)の服(ふく)を着(き)ると柄(がら)に負(ま)けてしまうことがある。
When a small-framed person wears clothing with bold patterns, the pattern can overpower them.

USAGE:
Sense 1 (large build) is the more common meaning. Often used as a neutral or positive descriptor, without the negative nuance of "fat" or "overweight."

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 大柄(おおがら)な人(ひと) (a large-framed person)
  • 大柄(おおがら)な体格(たいかく) (a large build)
  • 大柄(おおがら)な柄(がら) (a bold pattern)

CONTRAST:

  • 小柄(こがら): small-framed, petite — the opposite
  • 細身(ほそみ): slender, slim — describes body shape rather than frame size
general
Added 2026.3.16 14:45
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