Translation guide
This English phrase is used to comfort someone who has made an error, to express a general truth about human fallibility, or to excuse a mistake. In Japanese, the expression varies depending on the level of formality, the relationship between speakers, and whether it's a proverb, a casual reassurance, or a polite remark.
Anyone can make a mistake.
To state a universal truth that making mistakes is human and inevitable.
A natural, neutral way to say 'anyone can make a mistake'. It literally means 'mistakes exist for anyone'. Suitable for most situations.
Anyone can make a mistake, so don't worry about it.
A slight reordering of the above, equally natural. Emphasizes 'mistakes' first.
A slightly more formal or written expression. '犯す' means 'to commit' (a mistake).
A proverb meaning 'even monkeys fall from trees', i.e., even experts make mistakes. Use with caution; it can sound like you're calling someone a monkey.
To reassure someone after they've made an error, often with a softening phrase.
Casual and friendly. The 'よ' adds a reassuring tone. '間違える' is the verb 'to make a mistake'.
It's okay, anyone can make a mistake.
Polite form using '失敗' (failure/mistake). Suitable for workplace or formal situations.
Literally 'because we're human, we sometimes make mistakes'. Emphasizes human fallibility.
To downplay a particular error by saying it's common and not the person's fault.
Means 'that's something that happens to anyone'. Directly addresses the mistake.
That kind of mistake can happen to anyone.
Means 'it's a common thing'. Polite and brief. Implies the mistake is nothing special.
間違い (まちがい) refers to an error in judgment or action, like a wrong answer. 失敗 (しっぱい) refers to a failure or blunder, often with a sense of an unsuccessful outcome. Both can be used in the context of 'making a mistake', but 失敗 can sound more serious.
I made a calculation mistake.
The business venture failed.
The literal translation '誰でも間違いを作ることができる' is unnatural. Use the patterns provided instead.
It's something that happens to anyone.
It is human to make mistakes.
They say even monkeys fall from trees, so don't worry about it.
Anyone can make a mistake, so please don't let it bother you too much.
We're only human; we all make mistakes sometimes.
Oh, that happens all the time, so please don't worry.