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.
She put sunscreen on the nape of her neck.
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.
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.
The back of my neck hurts.
Expressions where the nape is used metaphorically or in set phrases.
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.
Cooling the nape feels good.
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.
My neck hurts. (could be front or back)
She tied her hair up, exposing her nape.
Natural translation using 項.
He felt a chill on the nape of his neck.
My nape hurts.