大柄な

• Reading: おおがらな
• Romaji: oogara na
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (oo/dai) — big, large; 柄 (gara/hei) — build, pattern, handle
• Pronunciation: /oː.ɡa.ɾa.na/

Meaning

Large build; big-framed; tall and solidly built.

A na-adjective describing a person with a large physical frame. Can also describe large patterns on fabric or clothing. When referring to people, it implies height and broadness rather than obesity. Takes な before nouns.

Examples

1. 大柄な男性がドアの前に立っていた。 A large-framed man was standing in front of the door.
2. 彼女は大柄な体格を生かしてバレーボールをしている。 She plays volleyball, making use of her big frame.
3. 大柄な柄のシャツは小柄な人には似合いにくい。 Shirts with large patterns don't tend to suit petite people.

Usage Guide

Context: physical description, fashion, sports

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (big, large) + 柄 (build, frame, pattern). 柄 has dual meanings of physical build and pattern/design, both reflected in this word.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal