猿も木から落ちる

saru mo ki kara ochiru
proverbIntermediate
informal

Even experts can make mistakes; even the best can fail.

猿も木から落ちるから、失敗しても落ち込まないでください。

Even monkeys fall from trees, so don't be too discouraged by failures.

💡

This proverb emphasizes that mistakes are natural and even the most skilled people can fail. It's often used to comfort someone after a mistake or to encourage humility.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

猿の惑星phrase
Planet of the Apes (literal: 'Monkey Planet')

💡Pro Tip

Encouragement and Humility

Use this phrase when someone is feeling down after a mistake. It reassures them that errors are normal and that even experts face failures.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overconfidence

This proverb serves as a reminder to stay humble and recognize that no one is infallible. It's a valuable lesson in both personal and professional growth.

📖Word Origin

The phrase literally means 'even monkeys fall from trees,' playing on the idea that monkeys are naturally skilled at climbing trees. The proverb highlights that even those who are naturally talented can make mistakes.

📝Usage Notes

This is a common Japanese proverb used to remind people that errors are part of life and that even the most capable individuals are not immune to failure. It's often used in both personal and professional contexts to encourage resilience and humility.

Word Breakdown

monkey
root
+
木から落ちる
fall from a tree
phrase
Noted on May 31, 2026JAEN