小柄

• Reading: こがら
• Romaji: kogara
• Kanji breakdown: 小 (ko) — small; 柄 (gara) — build, pattern
• Pronunciation: /ko.ɡa.ɾa/

Meaning

Small build; petite; of small stature or frame.

A な-adjective describing someone who is small in physical build or stature. A polite and neutral way to describe someone as short or petite — less blunt than 背が低い (short in height). Often used as 小柄な人 (a petite person) or 小柄な体格 (a small build). The opposite is 大柄 (ōgara, large build).

Examples

1. 彼女は小柄だが、とても力が強い。 She is petite, but extremely strong.
2. 小柄な体格を生かして狭い場所にも入れる。 Taking advantage of her small build, she can fit into tight spaces.
3. 祖母は小柄な人だったが、存在感があった。 My grandmother was a petite woman, but she had a commanding presence.

Usage Guide

Context: physical description, daily life, sports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 小 (small) + 柄 (build, pattern, handle). The 柄 here refers to physical build or frame, so 小柄 means a small frame.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal