This is the 1656th most frequent Japanese word.
耳
Ear.
'耳' in this context represents the function of hearing, emphasizing a reduced capability in the individual.
彼は耳が遠いので、大きな声で話します。
He is hard of hearing, so I speak loudly.
In this sentence, '耳' refers to the physical ears of the cat, highlighting the anatomical context.
猫の耳がとてもかわいいです。
A cat's ears are very cute.
Here, '耳' is used metaphorically to mean paying attention or actively listening.