小柄
Meanings
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
small build; petite; small stature
Describes a person or animal of physically small build. Often used as a polite or neutral descriptor; antonym is 大柄 (おおがら).
Antonyms: 大柄 (おおがら)
She is petite but very energetic.
Because it's a small dog, it's easy to keep even in a small room.
na-adjective, noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
small pattern; fine pattern
Refers to a small, fine design on fabric, wallpaper, etc. Antonym is 大柄 (おおがら) in the 'large pattern' sense.
Antonyms: 大柄 (おおがら)
She is wearing a skirt with a small pattern.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉は小柄だsomeone has a small, petite build
She's petite but very strong.
- 小柄な柄a small, fine pattern (on fabric)
I bought a blouse with a small, fine pattern.
- 小柄なわりに〈事〉considering how small someone is, ...
For someone so small, he has a loud voice.
- 小柄な体つきa petite build/figure
The petite-framed athlete won a medal.