1A pattern or design appearing on fabric, paper, clothing, etc.
このネクタイはドット柄がおしゃれだ。
This tie has a stylish polka-dot pattern.
花柄のワンピースを買った。
I bought a dress with a floral pattern.
カーテンの柄を部屋の雰囲気に合わせて選んだ。
I chose the curtain pattern to match the room's atmosphere.
2One's body build or physique — the physical shape or frame of a person.
彼は柄が大きく、力も強い。
He has a big build and is also strong.
柄の小さい選手だが、動きは素早い。
He's a small-framed player, but his movements are quick.
3The essential qualities, character, or nature of a person or thing, as in phrases like 'good/bad character'.
あの人は柄がいいので、皆に信頼されている。
That person has good character, so everyone trusts them.
柄の悪い連中には近寄らない方がいい。
It's better not to get close to people of bad character.
言葉遣いにはその人の柄が表れる。
A person's manner of speech reveals their character.
4Used as a suffix meaning 'appropriate to' or 'given the nature of' — e.g., 場所柄 ('given the location'), 商売柄 ('due to the nature of the business').
場所柄をわきまえて静かに話した。
Mindful of the surroundings, I spoke quietly.
商売柄、休日でも電話に出ることが多い。
Given the nature of my job, I often answer calls even on days off.