Proverb / Kotowaza
過つは人の常
Making mistakes is a fundamental part of being human.
To err is the human norm
Quick Answer
Making mistakes is a fundamental part of being human.
- Literal Image
- To err is the human norm
- Closest Equivalent
- To err is human
- How to Use It
- Used to comfort someone who has failed or to remind others that making an error is a natural part of the human experience.
Meaning
Every human being is prone to making mistakes. This expression suggests that errors are an inherent part of human nature and that no one is entirely perfect.
Literal Image
To err is the human norm
Equivalent Proverbs
To err is human
A direct conceptual and literal equivalent.
How to Use It
Used to comfort someone who has failed or to remind others that making an error is a natural part of the human experience.
Tone
Can be used to express forgiveness or to soften the impact of a mistake.
Examples
彼が失敗したのは仕方がない。過つは人の常、大切なのはその後どう対処するかだ。
It cannot be helped that he failed. To err is human; the important thing is how one deals with the situation afterward.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The verb 'ayamatsu' and the use of 'tsune' for 'norm' give the expression a slightly formal or literary feel compared to everyday conversational Japanese.
過つ
あやまつ / ayamatsu
to commit an error; to make a mistake
人
ひと / hito
person; human
常
つね / tsune
the norm; ordinary state; habitual practice
Usage Profile
Usage note: While it acknowledges fallibility, avoid using it to dismiss repeated or careless negligence.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as an excuse to avoid responsibility; it focuses on the inevitability of human error rather than justifying it.
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Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is considered to have originated from the Latin maxim "Errare humanum est," which corresponds to the English proverb "To err is human."
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.