Korean Proverb : Even Monkeys Fall from Trees

Korean Proverb Series 21

Even Monkeys Fall from Trees

"원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다"
(Wonsung-ido namu-eseo tteoreojinda)

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🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning

The Korean proverb “원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다” literally translates to:
“Even monkeys fall from trees.”

It means that even experts — no matter how skilled or experienced — can make mistakes. The proverb serves as a reminder that perfection is impossible and that humility and perseverance matter more than never failing.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson

• No one is infallible; everyone makes mistakes.
• The proverb teaches us not to be discouraged by failure, but to learn from it and try again.
• It also reminds us to be humble — success today doesn’t guarantee perfection tomorrow.

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👀 3. Real-Life Applications

• A professional athlete misses an easy shot during an important game.
• A top student answers a simple question incorrectly under pressure.
• A seasoned worker makes a small but costly error, realizing that care and focus must never fade.

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🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World

CountryProverb / SayingInterpretation

 

United States	“Even Homer nods.”	Even great talents make mistakes sometimes.
Japan	「猿も木から落ちる」 (Saru mo ki kara ochiru)	“Even monkeys fall from trees.” — the same proverb shared with Korea.
China	“人非圣贤，孰能无过” (Rén fēi shèng xián, shú néng wú guò)	“Humans are not saints; who can be without fault?”

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Falling is not failure —
it’s how we rise that defines us.”

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📌 Note

This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).

Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.