nuca

noo-kah/ˈnuka/

“nuca” means “nape” in Spanish (the back of the neck).

nape

Also: back of the neck

General

Ella se recogió el pelo en un moño y dejó su nuca al descubierto.

She tied her hair in a bun and left the nape of her neck exposed.

Me duele la nuca por estar tanto tiempo frente al ordenador.

The back of my neck hurts from being in front of the computer for so long.

El ciclista sentía el aliento de sus rivales en la nuca.

The cyclist felt his rivals' breath on his neck (meaning they were very close).

tener a alguien en la nuca – To have someone watching you closely or following you closely in a race or task.

Words that translate to "nuca" in Spanish:

Question 1 of 3

Which part of the body does 'la nuca' refer to?

👥 Word Family▼

nucal(relating to the back of the neck) — Adjective

🎵 Rhymes▼

📚 Etymology▼

From Vulgar Latin 'nucca', which likely came from an Arabic word 'nuḫā’' meaning spinal marrow.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: nuqueItalian: nuca

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

What is the difference between 'nuca' and 'cuello'?

'Cuello' is the general word for neck (the whole cylinder connecting head to body). 'Nuca' is specifically the back part of that cylinder.

Is 'nuca' used for animals?

Yes, you can use 'nuca' to describe the back of an animal's neck, though 'cogote' is also very common for animals.

Is it a formal or informal word?

It is neutral. You can use it with a doctor, in a book, or with friends.