襟首(えりくび)

えりくび
noun
nape of the neck; scruff of the neck
body-part
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(えりくび)をつかまれた。
I was grabbed by the scruff of the neck.
母(はは)は子(こ)どもの襟首(えりくび)をつかんで引(ひ)き戻(もど)した。
The mother grabbed the child by the collar and pulled him back.
逃(に)げようとした男(おとこ)の襟首(えりくび)を警官(けいかん)がつかんで、その場(ば)に押(お)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(えり)) meets the neck (首(くび)). Most commonly appears in the phrase 襟首(えりくび)をつかむ (to grab by the scruff).

Common collocations

  • 襟首(えりくび)をつかむ (to grab by the scruff)
  • 襟首(えりくび)をつかまえる (to seize by the collar)
  • 襟首(えりくび)を引(ひ)っ張(ぱ)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.

general
Added 2026.3.1 21:05 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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