Meaning
Even experts or highly skilled individuals can make mistakes or fail sometimes.
Cultural Background
Reflects the value of 'Chem-yeon' (saving face). Using this proverb allows an expert to admit a mistake without losing their status. The identical proverb 'Saru mo ki kara ochiru' shows the shared agricultural and nature-observing roots of East Asian wisdom. While they have the monkey proverb, they often prefer the 'wise man' (智者) version, reflecting a more Confucian focus on scholarly wisdom. In the Korean IT sector, this is often used during 'post-mortems' to reduce the blame culture and focus on the fact that even senior devs are human.
Use it for empathy
It's the perfect thing to say when a talented friend is embarrassed by a mistake.
Don't use for beginners
It can sound like you're calling them an expert sarcastically.
Meaning
Even experts or highly skilled individuals can make mistakes or fail sometimes.
Use it for empathy
It's the perfect thing to say when a talented friend is embarrassed by a mistake.
Don't use for beginners
It can sound like you're calling them an expert sarcastically.
The 'Quote' form
Add '...더니' at the end to say 'As they say...' when you see a mistake happen.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle to complete the proverb.
원숭이___ 나무에서 떨어진다.
The particle '도' means 'even' or 'also,' which is essential for the proverb's meaning.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
A world-class pianist hits a wrong note during a concert.
The proverb is for experts (monkeys) who make mistakes.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the proverb.
A: '어떡해, 내가 이런 실수를 하다니!' B: '괜찮아. _________________.'
The ending '-ㄴ다잖아' is a common way to quote a proverb to comfort someone.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises원숭이___ 나무에서 떨어진다.
The particle '도' means 'even' or 'also,' which is essential for the proverb's meaning.
A world-class pianist hits a wrong note during a concert.
The proverb is for experts (monkeys) who make mistakes.
A: '어떡해, 내가 이런 실수를 하다니!' B: '괜찮아. _________________.'
The ending '-ㄴ다잖아' is a common way to quote a proverb to comfort someone.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes! It's a great way to show humility after you make a mistake in something you're usually good at.
It depends on your relationship. If the boss is chill, it's fine. If they are very strict, it might be risky.
Not in this specific proverb, but 'dragon' and 'tiger' are used in other proverbs to represent power.
No, it means you should accept the mistake as a natural event and keep going.
Yes, this is a traditional proverb used across the entire Korean peninsula.
No, that's not a standard Korean proverb. Stick to the monkey!
Related Phrases
실수는 성공의 어머니
similarFailure is the mother of success.
천재도 실수를 한다
synonymEven geniuses make mistakes.
누구나 실수할 수 있다
similarAnyone can make a mistake.
식은 죽 먹기
contrastA piece of cake (eating cold porridge).
