柄
design, pattern, build, nature, character, handle, crank, grip, knob, shaft
Readings
On'yomi
- ヘイ
Kun'yomi
- がら
- え
- つか
Nanori
- から
- ら
Meaning
柄 centers on the idea of a shaped or patterned core that defines something's nature or function: a handle or grip that gives control, a design or pattern that gives character, or the inherent build or nature of a thing.
Most common words using 柄
20 of 128- 柄がらN3
pattern; design
- 柄えN3
handle; grip
- 絵柄えがら
pattern; design
- 銘柄めいがら
brand; make; description
- 人柄ひとがらN2
personality; character; personal appearance; gentility
- 事柄ことがらN1
matter; thing; affair; circumstance
- 小柄こがらN2
small build; small stature; petite
- 手柄てがらN1
achievement; feat; meritorious deed; distinguished service
- 身柄みがらN1
one's person
- 間柄あいだがらN1
relationship; relation; terms (good, friendly, etc.)
- 家柄いえがらN1
social standing of a family; lineage; parentage; pedigree
- 取り柄とりえN1
worth; merit; value; good point; strong point; redeeming feature; saving grace
- 役柄やくがら
role; duty; position; part
- 横柄おうへいN1
arrogant; haughty; insolent
- 大柄おおがらN1
large build
- 図柄ずがら
design; pattern
- 国柄くにがら
national character; regional character
- 長柄ながえ
long handle; long-handled spear; long shaft
- 新柄しんがら
new pattern
- 柄物がらもの
patterned cloth
Study
Etymology
柄 combines 木 (tree, wood) with 丙, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to a handle or stalk. The character originally referred to a wooden handle or shaft, and later extended to pattern or nature.
Meaning mnemonic
A wooden (木) handle (丙) is the grip of a tool, and just as a handle shapes how you use it, 柄 also means the pattern or character that shapes something's nature.
Reading mnemonic
For ヘイ, imagine a wooden handle shaped like the letter H: H -> ヘイ, and you grip it firmly.