1.
nape of the neck; scruff; collar area
The back of the neck near the collar. Often used in the context of grabbing someone by the collar or scruff.
襟首をつかまれた。
I was grabbed by the scruff of the neck.
母は子どもの襟首をつかんで引き戻した。
The mother grabbed the child by the collar and pulled him back.
逃げようとした男の襟首を警官がつかんで、その場に押さえつけた。
The officer grabbed the man trying to flee by the scruff of the neck and pinned him down on the spot.
Literally the area where the collar (襟) meets the neck (首). Most commonly appears in the phrase 襟首をつかむ (to grab by the scruff).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 襟首をつかむ (to grab by the scruff)
- 襟首をつかまえる (to seize by the collar)
- 襟首を引っ張る (to pull by the collar)
The word evokes a forceful, physical action — often used when describing someone being restrained or dragged. In figurative usage, it can suggest being caught or cornered.