Spanish word

nuca

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnuka/

Meaning

  • feminine nounback of the neck

Example

Me duele la nuca.

The back of my neck hurts.

Illustration for nuca (back of the neck)

More examples

Después de trabajar muchas horas sentado, tengo la nuca rígida.

After working many hours sitting, the back of my neck is stiff.

Core concept

Back-of-the-neck area where the neck meets the skull.

Common phrases

  • doler la nuca

    have pain in the back of the neck

  • masajear la nuca

    massage the back of the neck

  • tener rigidez en la nuca

    have stiffness in the back of the neck

Similar words

cuello: Neck that connects the head and torso, covering the whole throat and sides.
cogote: Soft area at the back where the skull meets the neck, just above the neck base.

Definition in Spanish

Nombra el área posterior del cuello, junto a la base del cráneo y por encima de la espalda alta.

Word origin

The Spanish noun nuca comes from Medieval Latin nucha, preserving both form and meaning as it entered Spanish.

Usage tips

  • La nuca names the back portion specifically, so using cuello instead can feel too general when indicating the exact spot.

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