Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Neck in Spanish
Cuello · noun · KWEH-yoh
The Spanish word for neck is 'cuello.' This word also does double duty as the word for 'collar' (of a shirt). For the back of the neck specifically, Spanish uses 'nuca,' while 'pescuezo' is an informal or literary term sometimes used for animal necks or humorously for people.
Pronounced KWEH-yoh. The 'ue' creates a diphthong, and the double 'l' (ll) is pronounced like a 'y' in most Spanish dialects.
Me duele el cuello porque dormí en mala posición.
My neck hurts because I slept in a bad position.
Neck in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for neck, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| cuello | neck | KWEH-yoh | Default, widely understood |
| pescuezo | neck | informal/animals | |
| nuca | neck | back of the neck |
How Native Speakers Use Cuello
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Pain description
Tengo el cuello muy tenso por el estrés del trabajo.
My neck is very tense from work stress.
Demonstrates using 'tener + body part + adjective' construction common for describing physical conditions.
Clothing reference
Esta camisa tiene el cuello demasiado apretado.
This shirt has too tight a collar.
Shows the dual meaning of 'cuello' as both the body part and the collar of clothing.
Giving directions on the body
El masajista me trabajó toda la nuca y los hombros.
The massage therapist worked on my entire nape and shoulders.
Uses 'nuca' to specifically refer to the back of the neck area.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Cuello
Confusing 'cuello' with 'collar'
Incorrect: El collar de mi camisa está sucio.
Correct: El cuello de mi camisa está sucio.
The clothing part around your neck is 'cuello' (the same word as the body part). 'Collar' in Spanish means a necklace or a pet's collar — never the fabric ring on a garment.
Using 'pescuezo' in formal contexts
Incorrect: Doctor, me duele el pescuezo.
Correct: Doctor, me duele el cuello.
The word 'pescuezo' sounds informal or humorous in most contexts. In medical or formal situations, always use 'cuello.'
Lock in Neck Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Cuello used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using cuello in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Me duele el cuello porque dormí en mala posición. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Neck in Spanish
- What's the difference between 'cuello' and 'nuca'?
- The word 'cuello' refers to the entire neck as a body part (front, sides, and back), while 'nuca' specifically means the nape — the back part of the neck where it meets the base of the skull.
- Can 'cuello' mean both neck and collar?
- The word 'cuello' serves double duty in Spanish, meaning both the body part (neck) and the collar of a garment, which makes sense historically since a collar wraps around the neck area.
- How do I say 'stiff neck' in Spanish?
- A stiff neck is commonly expressed as 'tortícolis' (the medical term) or described as 'cuello rígido' or 'tengo el cuello tieso,' with 'tortícolis' being the most recognized single-word term used by both doctors and everyday speakers.