襟元

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 襟元 (えりもと) is a locational compound noun for the collar and the area around the neckline.
• Basic usage: 上着の襟元を閉じる makes the part fastened against cold the object, while シャツの襟元に汚れが付く marks the location where a stain appears.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Fastened area and stain location
  • 襟元を is the garment area a person fastens, whereas 襟元に is where a stain adheres. In both examples the reference is the collar area of 上着 or シャツ, not the neck itself.