ネクタイ

• Reading: ねくたい
• Romaji: nekutai
• Pronunciation: /ne.kɯ.tai/

Meaning

Tie; necktie. A strip of cloth worn around the collar and tied at the front.

A loanword from English 'necktie,' always written in katakana. Essential in Japanese business culture, where ties are standard for male office workers (サラリーマン). The phrase ネクタイを締める (to tighten a necktie) means to put one on. During the Cool Biz campaign, companies allow employees to skip ties in summer.

Examples

1. 父は毎朝ネクタイを締めます。 My father puts on a tie every morning.
2. このネクタイは誕生日のプレゼントです。 This tie is a birthday present.
3. 青いネクタイが似合いますね。 That blue tie looks good on you.

Usage Guide

Context: business, fashion, formal events

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Borrowed from English 'necktie,' a compound of 'neck' and 'tie.' Entered Japanese vocabulary in the Meiji era as Western business attire became the norm in professional settings.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional