Translation guide
This English proverb means that even the most skilled or knowledgeable person can make a mistake. In Japanese, there are several equivalent proverbs and expressions that convey the same idea.
To express that even experts make mistakes
A well-known Japanese proverb meaning 'Even Kōbō Daishi (a famous calligrapher) makes mistakes with the brush.' It is the closest equivalent to 'even Homer nods.'
弘法にも筆の誤りというから、失敗を恐れずに挑戦しよう。
As they say, even Homer nods, so let's take on challenges without fear of failure.
Literally 'Even monkeys fall from trees.' A common proverb meaning that even experts can make mistakes. It is more colloquial and widely used than the Kōbō Daishi proverb.
彼がミスをするなんて、猿も木から落ちるだね。
Even he makes mistakes—even monkeys fall from trees, you know.
Literally 'Even a kappa (a water imp) can be swept away by the river.' Used to say that even experts can fail in their own field.
プロの料理人が包丁で指を切るなんて、河童の川流れだ。
A professional chef cutting his finger with a knife—even a kappa can be swept away.
Literally 'Water leaks from even a skilled hand.' A less common proverb with a similar meaning, often used in traditional contexts.
ベテランの職人でも失敗することがある。上手の手から水が漏れるというからね。
Even a veteran craftsman can fail. As they say, water leaks from even a skilled hand.
To console someone or downplay a mistake by saying that anyone can err
A straightforward, sympathetic phrase meaning 'Anyone can make a mistake.' It is natural and commonly used in conversation.
大丈夫、誰にでも失敗はあるよ。
It's okay, anyone can make a mistake.
Literally 'All humans make mistakes.' A slightly more formal or philosophical way to express the idea.
人間誰でも間違えるから、気にしないで。
All humans make mistakes, so don't worry about it.
Use proverbs like 弘法にも筆の誤り or 猿も木から落ちる when you want to sound wise or refer to a well-known saying. Use 誰にでも失敗はある in everyday conversation to comfort someone directly.
弘法にも筆の誤りだよ。気にしないで。
Even Homer nods. Don't worry about it.
誰にでも失敗はあるから、次がんばろう。
Anyone can make a mistake, so let's do better next time.