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.
誰にでも間違いはある。
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.
誰にでも間違いはあるから、気にしないで。
Anyone can make a mistake, so don't worry about it.
A slight reordering of the above, equally natural. Emphasizes 'mistakes' first.
間違いは誰にでもあることです。
It's something that happens to anyone.
A slightly more formal or written expression. '犯す' means 'to commit' (a mistake).
人は誰でも間違いを犯すものだ。
It is human to make mistakes.
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.
猿も木から落ちるって言うし、気にすることないよ。
They say even monkeys fall from trees, so don't worry about it.
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'.
大丈夫、誰でも間違えることはあるよ。
It's okay, anyone can make a mistake.
Polite form using '失敗' (failure/mistake). Suitable for workplace or formal situations.
誰にでも失敗はありますから、あまり気になさらないでください。
Anyone can make a mistake, so please don't let it bother you too much.
Literally 'because we're human, we sometimes make mistakes'. Emphasizes human fallibility.
人間だから間違えることもあるさ。
We're only human; we all make mistakes sometimes.
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.
そんなミスは誰にでもあることだよ。
That kind of mistake can happen to anyone.
Means 'it's a common thing'. Polite and brief. Implies the mistake is nothing special.
ああ、それはよくあることですから、気にしないでください。
Oh, that happens all the time, so please don't worry.
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.
計算の間違いをした。
I made a calculation mistake.
事業に失敗した。
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.