Korean Proverb : 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다

 

 

The Korean proverb 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다 (wonsung-ido namu-eseo tteoreojinda) translates to “Even monkeys fall from trees.” This expression means that even experts or skilled individuals make mistakes, as nobody is perfect. In Korean, this proverb reflects the idea that no matter how talented or experienced someone is, everyone is prone to errors. It's often used to console or encourage someone who has made a mistake, reminding them that even the best can slip up.

 

 

 

• 그 유명한 셰프도 가끔 음식을 태운대. 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어지니까.
  "Even that famous chef sometimes burns food. After all, even monkeys fall from trees."
• 어제 실수한 거 너무 신경 쓰지 마. 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어질 때가 있잖아.
  "Don't worry too much about the mistake you made yesterday. Even monkeys fall from trees sometimes."
• 너처럼 똑똑한 사람도 실수할 수 있어. 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다잖아.
  "Even someone as smart as you can make mistakes. Even monkeys fall from trees, you know."

 

Example Dialogue

 

Sohee: 연습을 그렇게 많이 했는데 오늘 연주에서 실수를 하다니 너무 부끄러워.
"I practiced so much, but I still made mistakes during today’s performance. I feel so embarrassed."

 

Yuna: 에이, 누구나 실수해. 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어질 때가 있다잖아.
"Oh, come on. Everyone makes mistakes. Even monkeys fall from trees sometimes."

 

Sohee: 그래도 많은 사람들이 보고 있었는데... 실망했을까 봐 걱정돼.
"But so many people were watching… I’m worried they were disappointed."

 

Yuna: 오히려 더 인간적으로 보였어. 실수한 거 너무 신경 쓰지 말고 다음 연주 준비하자!
"It made you look even more human! Don’t worry too much about the mistake; let’s just focus on preparing for the next performance!"