小柄

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 小柄(こがら) describes a small build or a small pattern.
• Basic usage: It describes a petite mother choosing shorter clothing.
  • 母は小柄なので丈の短い服を選ぶ。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Build and pattern
  • 小柄な人 means a person of small build. In 小柄な花模様, the size of the floral pattern is at issue rather than a person's height.
• Small build and thinness
  • 小柄 focuses on a small overall build or stature. 痩せている(やせている) describes being thin, so the two expressions identify different features.