Translation guide
The back of the neck. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with a specific noun, but there are also related terms for the area and idiomatic expressions.
Referring to the nape as a physical body part.
The most common and natural word for the nape of the neck. Used in everyday conversation and writing.
彼女は項に日焼け止めを塗った。
She put sunscreen on the nape of her neck.
項がきれいな人に惹かれる。
I'm attracted to people with a beautiful nape.
Literally 'collar neck', refers to the nape area, often in the context of grabbing or holding someone by the scruff of the neck.
猫が子猫の襟首をくわえて運んだ。
The cat carried the kitten by the scruff of its neck.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'back of the neck'. More general and can be used when 項 might not be understood, but 項 is preferred for the nape specifically.
首の後ろが痛い。
The back of my neck hurts.
Expressions where the nape is used metaphorically or in set phrases.
Literally 'to hang one's nape', meaning to bow one's head in shame or submission. A literary or poetic expression.
彼は恥ずかしさに項を垂れた。
He hung his head in shame.
Describes hair falling on the nape, often used in romantic or aesthetic contexts.
うなじにかかる髪が色っぽい。
The hair falling on her nape is alluring.
項 (うなじ) is the standard word for the nape of the neck, used in neutral descriptions. 襟首 (えりくび) specifically refers to the part of the neck near the collar, often used when grabbing or holding someone by the scruff. Use 項 for general references to the nape.
項を冷やすと気持ちいい。
Cooling the nape feels good.
彼は襟首をつかまれた。
He was grabbed by the scruff of the neck.
首 (くび) means 'neck' in general. To specify the nape, use 項 (うなじ) or 首の後ろ (くびのうしろ). Saying just 首 might be ambiguous.
彼は項に寒気を感じた。
He felt a chill on the nape of his neck.