원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다

wonsungido namuseo tteoreojindaproverb
Even experts can make mistakes

원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다니, 나 같은 초보도 실수할 수 있겠다.

Even monkeys fall from trees, so even a beginner like me can make mistakes.


What It Really Means
Even the most skilled or experienced individuals can make mistakes or fail.
Literal Meaning
Even monkeys fall from trees.
Literal Breakdown
원숭이monkey+나무tree+떨어진다to fall
Mental Image
The mental image of a monkey, which is naturally adept at climbing trees, falling from a tree, symbolizing that even the most skilled can make mistakes.
When to Use
A beginner who is nervous about making mistakes in a new task might be reassured with this proverb to remind them that errors are a natural part of learning.
Cultural Note
This proverb reflects the Korean cultural value of humility and the acceptance of human imperfection. It is often used to encourage perseverance and resilience in the face of failure.
informal

A proverb emphasizing that even the most skilled or experienced individuals can make mistakes or fail, as even monkeys (who are naturally adept at climbing trees) sometimes fall.

그 유명한 선수도 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다며 실수를 했다.

Even that famous player made a mistake, as the saying goes, 'Even monkeys fall from trees.'

원숭이도 나무에서 떨어지는데, 나 같은 초보가 실수하는 건 당연하다.

Even monkeys fall from trees, so it's natural for a beginner like me to make mistakes.

This proverb is often used to console or encourage someone who has made a mistake, reminding them that errors are a natural part of life.

Related Phrases

누구나 실수한다phrase
Everyone makes mistakes

Pro Tip

Encouragement

This proverb is often used to encourage someone who is hesitant to try something new because they fear making mistakes.

Gold Rule

Context

Use this proverb in informal settings to reassure or encourage someone, not in formal or professional contexts.

Word Origin

The proverb originates from the observation that even monkeys, which are naturally skilled at climbing trees, can fall. It has been used in Korean culture for centuries to convey the idea that mistakes are inevitable, even for the most capable individuals.

Usage Notes

This proverb is commonly used in informal contexts to reassure someone after a mistake or to encourage someone to try something new without fear of failure. It is not typically used in formal or professional settings.

Word Breakdown

원숭이
monkey
root
+
나무
tree
root
+
떨어진다
to fall
root
한영사전