Translation and Meaning of: 柄 - e

The Japanese word 柄[え] may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and everyday usage can be quite helpful. In this article, we will uncover everything from its writing to practical examples, including memory tips and cultural curiosities. All of this with the help of Suki Nihongo, the best Japanese dictionary for students.

Meaning and use of 柄[え]

The word 柄[え] has a very specific meaning: it refers to the "pattern" or "design" of something, such as fabrics, wallpaper, or even personal characteristics. In the context of clothing, for example, it is common to hear phrases like "この服の柄が好き" (I like the pattern of this clothes). This application is so prevalent that many students associate the word directly with fabrics and prints.

Furthermore, 柄 can also indicate a person's "type" or "nature," although this usage is less common. When someone says "彼はいい柄だ" (He has a good character), they are using the word in a more abstract sense. This double meaning makes 柄[え] a versatile word, but it requires attention to context to avoid confusion.

Origin and writing of the kanji 柄

The kanji 柄 is composed of the radical 木 (wood) and the component 丙, which historically refers to something "secondary" or "auxiliary." This combination suggests a relationship with patterns that stand out against a background, like the grains of wood. The reading え (e) is one of the kun'yomi, while the most common on'yomi is ヘイ (hei), as in 家柄 (iegara – family lineage).

Interestingly, the kanji also appears in words like 人柄 (hitogara), which describes someone's character. This connection between visible patterns and personality traits reveals how the Japanese language often links concrete and abstract concepts. To memorize, it's helpful to associate the radical 木 with "natural patterns," like the designs we see in wooden boards.

Tips for using 柄[え] in everyday life

If you want to incorporate 柄[え] into your active vocabulary, try using it in everyday situations. When complimenting a shirt's pattern, for example, say "その柄、素敵ですね" (That pattern is lovely, isn't it?). Another tip is to pay attention to fashion or decor ads, where the word often appears to describe floral, geometric, or striped patterns.

A common trap is to confuse 柄 with similar words like 模様 (moyou), which also means "pattern." While 柄 has a more colloquial and broad tone, 模様 tends to be used for more complex or artistic designs. Noticing these subtle differences helps you sound more natural when speaking Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 手柄 (tegara) - Handling, handle
• 柄杓 (hyoshaku) - Shell, wooden spoon
• 柄付き (baratsuki) - With a handle, with a grip
• 柄部 (habu) - Part of the cable
• 柄のある (bara no aru) - With standard decor
• 柄のない (bara no nai) - Without pattern, smooth
• 柄の長い (bara no nagai) - Cabo longo
• 柄の短い (bara no mijikai) - Short cable
• 柄の太い (bara no futoi) - Cabo grosso
• 柄の細い (bara no hosoi) - Fine cable
• 柄の丈夫な (bara no joubu na) - Resistant cable
• 柄の弱い (bara no yowai) - Weak cable, little resistant
• 柄のしなやかな (bara no shanayakana) - Flexible cable
• 柄の硬い (bara no katai) - Hard cable
• 柄の柔らかい (bara no yawarakai) - Soft cable
• 柄の美しい (bara no utsukushii) - Beautiful cape
• 柄の精巧な (bara no seikou na) - Sophisticated, intricate cable
• 柄の装飾的な (bara no soushoku-teki na) - Decorative cable
• 柄の彫刻された (bara no choukoku sareta) - Sculpted cable
• 柄の模様 (bara no moyou) - Standard on the cable
• 柄の色 (bara no iro) - Color of the cable

柄

Romaji: e
Kana: え
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: shoulder strap; footprint

Meaning in English: handle;grip

Definition: The characteristics or qualities of things or people.

Example Sentences - (柄) e

See below some example sentences:

小柄な女性はとても可愛らしいです。

Kobugara na josei wa totemo kawairashii desu

Small women are very cute.

Small women are very cute.

• 小柄な - means "small" or "short"
• 女性 - means "woman"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case "the short woman"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 可愛らしい - adjective meaning "cute" or "adorable"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

事柄について話し合いましょう。

Jigara ni tsuite hanashi aimashou

Let's discuss it.

Let's talk about things.

• 事柄 - subject, theme
• について - about
• 話し合い - Discussion, conversation
• ましょう - let's do, let's have

この柄のデザインが好きです。

Kono gara no dezain ga suki desu

I like the design of this pattern.

I like the design of this pattern.

• この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
• 柄 - Noun meaning "pattern" or "design".
• の - particle indicating possession or relationship between two things.
• デザイン - Noun meaning "design".
• が - Particle that marks the subject of the sentence.
• 好き - Adjective meaning "to like" or "to be pleasant."
• です - verb "to be" in a polite and formal way.

大柄な男性が道を歩いている。

Otokonoko ga michi wo aruite iru

A big man is walking down the street.

A big man is walking on the road.

• 大柄な - large
• 男性 - man
• が - subject particle
• 道 - path/street
• を - direct object particle
• 歩いている - walking (continuous form of the verb 歩く)

彼女の人柄はとても温かくて親切です。

Kanojo no hitogara wa totemo atatakakute shinsetsu desu

Your personality is very warm and kind.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 人柄 (hitogara) - personality
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• とても (totemo) - Very
• 温かくて (atatakakute) - Hot and
• 親切 (shinsetsu) - kind
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar

私たちは良い間柄です。

Watashitachi wa yoi magara desu

We have a good relationship.

We are a good relationship.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 良い - good in Japanese
• 間柄 - "Relationship" in Japanese.
• です - "is" in Japanese (verb to be)