Korean Dictionary
How to say "Even Experts Make Mistakes" in Korean
“Even Experts Make Mistakes” in Korean is 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다 (pronounced "Wonsungido Namueso Tteoreojinda").
원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다
Wonsungido Namueso Tteoreojinda
Usage & Context
This Korean proverb literally means even monkeys fall from trees. It expresses that even experts or skilled people can make mistakes.
Example Sentence
원숭이도 나무에서 떨어질 수 있으니 너무 자만하지 마세요.
Even monkeys fall from trees so do not be too arrogant.
How to use 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Even Experts Make Mistakes” is 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다, romanized as Wonsungido Namueso Tteoreojinda.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다.
Pronunciation Guide
원숭이 (Won-sung-i) sounds like 'wahn-sung-ee'. 도 (do) is like 'doe'. 나무에서 (na-mu-e-seo) is 'nah-moo-eh-suh'. 떨어진다 (tteo-reo-jin-da) has a strong 'tuh' sound for 'tteo', then 'raw-jin-dah'. The 'tteo' part is pronounced with more force than a regular 'teo'.
More Example Sentences
A parent advising their child about safe driving.
아무리 베테랑 운전자라도 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다고, 항상 조심해야 해요.
No matter how veteran a driver, as they say even monkeys fall from trees, you always have to be careful.
A usually high-achieving student lamenting a rare error.
이번 시험에서 제가 실수하다니, 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다는 말이 딱 저한테 해당되네요.
I made a mistake on this exam, the saying 'even monkeys fall from trees' perfectly applies to me.
Someone excusing a professional's rare mistake.
그 유명한 셰프도 가끔 요리를 망치곤 해요. 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어지는 법이죠.
Even that famous chef sometimes messes up a dish. It's just that even monkeys fall from trees.
Cultural Context
This proverb is a common way to offer comfort or caution in Korean society. It's used to tell someone not to be too hard on themselves for making a mistake, especially if they are usually competent. Conversely, it can also be used as a warning against overconfidence, reminding even experts that errors are possible. In K-dramas, you might hear a senior character use this to console a junior who made a blunder, or a friend using it to humble a slightly arrogant peer. It emphasizes humility and understanding that perfection is unattainable.
Editorial note
We review entries like 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
원숭이도 나무에서 떨어진다고 하잖아요.
You know, they say even monkeys fall from trees.
원숭이도 나무에서 떨어질 때가 있죠.
There are times when even monkeys fall from trees.
너무 자만하지 마세요, 원숭이도 나무에서 떨어져요.
Don't be too arrogant, even monkeys fall from trees.
Related Expressions
실수 없는 사람은 없다
Silsu eomneun sarameun eopda
There is no one without mistakes (Similar meaning)
방심은 금물
Bangsimeun geummul
Carelessness is forbidden (Related concept, warning against overconfidence)
돌다리도 두들겨 보고 건너라
Doldarido dudeulgyeo bogo geonneora
Even a stone bridge, tap it before crossing (Be cautious, even in seemingly safe situations)
하늘이 무너져도 솟아날 구멍은 있다
Haneuri muneojeodo sosanal gumeongeun itda
Even if the sky falls, there's a hole to escape (There's always a way out, related to resilience after mistakes)
More Idioms & Proverbs Words
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