Translation guide
The back of the neck. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed with specific words, but often the general word for 'neck' is used when context is clear.
Referring to the nape as a specific body part, often in anatomical or descriptive contexts.
The loose skin at the back of an animal's neck, often used for carrying young or restraining.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'skin at the back of the neck', commonly used for animals.
母猫は子猫の首の後ろの皮をくわえて運ぶ。
The mother cat carries her kitten by the scruff of its neck.
In many situations, Japanese speakers simply use 首 (kubi) and specify 'back' with 後ろ (ushiro) or context. For example, 'nape pain' is often 首の後ろの痛み (kubi no ushiro no itami).
She put her hair up and showed her nape.
うなじに汗をかいた。
I sweated on the nape of my neck.
Literally 'collar neck', refers to the nape area, often in the context of grabbing or clothing.
彼は猫の襟首をつかんだ。
He grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck.
General word for 'neck'. Often used when the specific 'nape' meaning is clear from context, especially in compound phrases.
首の後ろが痛い。
The back of my neck hurts.
Also used for animals, similar to 'scruff', but can imply grabbing.
犬の襟首をつかんで引き離した。
I grabbed the dog by the scruff and pulled it away.