누구나 실수를 한다

nuguna silsu-reul handaproverb
Everyone makes mistakes

누구나 실수를 한다. 중요한 건 실수에서 배우는 거야.

Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them.


What It Really Means
The universal nature of human imperfection and the inevitability of errors in life.
Literal Meaning
Everyone makes mistakes.
Literal Breakdown
누구anyone+(contraction) I+실수mistake+하다to do
Mental Image
A mental picture of people from all walks of life stumbling or faltering in their daily lives, symbolizing that mistakes are part of being human.
When to Use
Imagine a student who failed an exam. Their friend says '누구나 실수를 한다' to comfort them, reminding them that everyone experiences setbacks.
Cultural Note
This proverb embodies the Korean concept of '겸손' (humility) and aligns with Confucian values of self-improvement through reflection on mistakes. It's similar to Western sayings like 'To err is human' but carries stronger cultural emphasis on collective experience.
informal

A saying that emphasizes that making mistakes is a universal human experience and nothing to be ashamed of.

A: 나는 시험에서 떨어졌어. 너무 창피해... B: 누구나 실수를 한다. 다음에 더 열심히 하면 돼!

A: I failed the exam. I'm so embarrassed... B: Everyone makes mistakes. You can do better next time!

누구나 실수를 한다지만, 같은 실수를 반복하지 않도록 노력해야 해.

While it's true that everyone makes mistakes, you should try not to repeat the same ones.

Often used to comfort someone who has made a mistake or to normalize human error.

Related Phrases

실패는 성공의 어머니proverb
Failure is the mother of success

Pro Tip

Cultural Context

This proverb reflects the Korean cultural value of humility and perseverance. It's often used in educational settings, workplaces, and personal relationships to normalize failure and encourage growth.

Gold Rule

When to Use

Use this phrase when someone is overly critical of their mistakes, or to encourage someone after they've failed. It's a gentle way to say 'don't worry about it' in Korean culture.

Word Origin

A traditional Korean proverb combining '누구' (anyone) + '나' (I) + '실수' (mistake) + '하다' (to do). The phrase has been used for generations to emphasize the universality of human error.

Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in both spoken and written Korean to encourage resilience after failure. It can be shortened to '실수하는 법' (the way of making mistakes) in some contexts.

Word Breakdown

누구
anyone/everyone
pronoun
+
I (contraction of 누구+나)
contraction
+
실수
mistake/error
noun
+
하다
to do
verb
한영사전