Japanese meaning of 猿も木から落ちる
Reading:
さるもきからおちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru)
English Translation:
Even Homer sometimes nods / Anyone can make a mistake
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
Even skilled people can make mistakes. This proverb reminds us that no one is perfect, and even those who are highly experienced or talented can fail at times. It's often used to console someone after an unexpected error.
Cultural Context:
Reflects Japanese humility and the idea that everyone is fallible.
どんなに熟練した人でも失敗することがある、完全な人はいないという教え。思わぬミスをした人を慰めたり励ましたりするときによく使われます。
日本文化の謙虚さや「誰でも間違える」という価値観が表れています。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
Uses a simple subject-object-verb structure and a metaphor.
Trap for English Speakers
Not about monkeys literally falling; it's a metaphor.
Example
Basic Example
あの有名な棋士でも負けることがある。猿も木から落ちるだ。
Even that famous chess master loses sometimes — even Homer sometimes nods.
Applied Example
無敗だったキャプテンが一瞬の油断で失点。猿も木から落ちる、その空気が会場を包んだ。
The undefeated captain let one point slip in a moment’s carelessness. Even Homer sometimes nods — the mood spread through the arena.