うなじ

うなじ
noun
nape of the neck
1. the back of the neck; nape
the area at the back of the neck, below the hairline
うなじが()()けた。
My nape got sunburned.
彼女(かのじょ)のうなじが(うつく)しい。
Her nape is beautiful.
浴衣(ゆかた)()るとうなじが()えてきれいだ。
When wearing a yukata, the nape is visible and looks beautiful.

BODY PART:
うなじ refers to the back of the neck, particularly the area just below the hairline.

CULTURAL NOTE:
In traditional Japanese aesthetics, the うなじ (nape) is considered an attractive area, especially for women. The visibility of the nape when wearing 着物(きもの) or 浴衣(ゆかた) is part of their appeal. Geisha traditionally accentuate this area with makeup.

ORTHOGRAPHY:

  • Usually written in hiragana
  • Can be written as (うなじ) but this is uncommon

RELATED:

  • (くび) - neck
  • 襟足(えりあし) - hairline at the back of the neck