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oreja

ear

noun oh-REH-hah Rare

Origin: Latin auricula (little ear)

Usage Note

Oreja refers specifically to the outer, visible ear (the auricle). The inner ear or 'hearing' sense is covered by oído: Me duele el oído (my ear/inner ear aches) vs Me tiran de la oreja (they pull my ear). This distinction trips up learners who use oreja and oído interchangeably. Oído is also used for musical ear: tener buen oído (to have a good ear for music).

Examples

"Le tiró de la oreja para llamar su atención."

Natural Translation

She pulled his ear to get his attention.

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