Japanese Conversation · Level 18
90 words
Japanese word
ネック
Pronunciation
Romajinekku
Meaning
- noundrawback
Example
高い家賃がこの店のネックです。taka i ya chin ga ko no mise no ne kku de su
The high rent is a drawback for this store.
More examples
人手不足が新しいサービスを始める際のネックになっています。hito de fu soku ga atara shi i sā bi su o haji me ru sai no ne kku ni na tte i ma su
A shortage of staff has become a bottleneck in launching a new service.
Core concept
It focuses attention on the limiting weakness that keeps a plan, process, or activity from working smoothly.
Common phrases
ネックになるne kku ni na ru
be a drawback
ネックを解消するne kku o kai shō su ru
eliminate a drawback
ネックを克服するne kku o koku fuku su ru
overcome a drawback
Similar words
障害shōgai: A problem or condition that blocks progress or makes an action difficult.
支障shishō: A condition that interferes with the smooth continuation of an activity.
難点nanten: A disadvantage or weak point that makes something less suitable or effective.
Definition in Japanese
計画や活動を滞らせる不利な要因。kei kaku ya katsu dō o todokō ra se ru fu ri na yō in
Word origin
The loanword ネック (nekku, "drawback") is based on English neck and reflects the idea of a narrow section that restricts movement, as in a bottleneck.
Usage tips
- When Japanese speakers call a condition ネック (nekku), they usually mean a key obstacle in the situation, not a problem with a person's neck.