noun, noun, used as a suffix
Refers to a visible pattern or design on cloth, paper, clothing, and similar surfaces. Also common as a suffix in compounds such as 花柄 and 縞柄.
このシャツの柄は少し派手だ。
The pattern on this shirt is a little flashy.
花柄のワンピースを買った。
I bought a floral-patterned dress.
noun
Describes a person's physical build or frame. Often appears in expressions such as 柄が大きい, 大柄, and 小柄.
兄は柄が大きいので、どこにいても目立つ。
My older brother has a large build, so he stands out wherever he is.
noun, noun, used as a suffix
character; nature; essential qualities
Refers to the inherent character, nature, or social tone of a person, place, or group. Common in fixed expressions such as 柄が悪い and 柄にもない; katakana ガラ may be used colloquially for this sense.
あの店は客の柄が悪いと言われている。
That place is said to have rough customers.
彼がそんな気取ったことを言うなんて柄にもない。
It is out of character for him to say something so pretentious.
noun, used as a suffix
by nature of; in keeping with; appropriate to
Suffix-like use after nouns such as 職業, 土地, or 場所, indicating what is natural, fitting, or expected because of that role, place, or situation.
職業柄、個人情報の扱いには特に気を遣う。
Because of my profession, I take special care in handling personal information.
土地柄、冬の雪への備えが欠かせない。
Given the nature of the region, preparation for winter snow is essential.
Also means a pattern or design, but it does not cover physique, character, or suffix uses like 職業柄.
A more direct and neutral word for physical build or physique; 柄 in this sense is common in set expressions such as 大柄 and 小柄.
Means personality or character, mainly of a person; 柄 can describe the general nature or social tone of people, places, or groups.
The historical derivation of がら is uncertain. The kanji 柄 is conventionally used for these related notions of pattern, build, and inherent character, but this spelling note should not be taken as a precise origin explanation.