Proverb / Kotowaza
弘法も筆の誤り
Even the greatest experts can make mistakes.
even Kobo-Daishi makes a slip of the brush
Quick Answer
Even the greatest experts can make mistakes.
- Literal Image
- even Kobo-Daishi makes a slip of the brush
- Closest Equivalent
- Even Homer sometimes nods
- How to Use It
- It is used when a highly skilled person or a professional makes an unexpected error. It can serve to comfort someone who has made a mistake or to describe a situation where a specialist's failure has surprised others.
Meaning
This proverb suggests that no matter how skilled or experienced someone is in their field, they are still capable of making errors. It can be used to acknowledge a surprising mistake by a veteran or to remind someone that perfection is unattainable even for masters.
Literal Image
even Kobo-Daishi makes a slip of the brush
Equivalent Proverbs
Even Homer sometimes nods
A Western equivalent referencing the Greek poet Homer to mean that even the best can err.
How to Use It
It is used when a highly skilled person or a professional makes an unexpected error. It can serve to comfort someone who has made a mistake or to describe a situation where a specialist's failure has surprised others.
Tone
Neutral or reassuring, acknowledging human fallibility without being overly critical.
Examples
あの名シェフが味付けを失敗するなんて、弘法も筆の誤りだ。
For such a chef to mess up the seasoning, it truly is a case of 'even Kobo makes a slip of the brush'.
ベテランのミスに周囲は驚いたが、弘法も筆の誤りということもある。
Everyone was surprised by the veteran's mistake, but as they say, even a master can slip up.
どんな専門家でも完璧ではない。弘法も筆の誤りというものだ。
No expert is perfect. Even the best among us make mistakes sometimes.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary includes specific historical names and kanji like 筆 and 誤り, making it slightly more advanced than basic idioms.
弘法
こうぼう / kobo
Kobo-Daishi (Kukai), a monk and calligrapher
筆
ふで / fude
writing brush
誤り
あやまり / ayamari
mistake; error
Usage Profile
Misread Risk
This is specifically used for experts or veterans. Using it for a beginner's mistake might sound sarcastic or inappropriate.
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Origin
The proverb refers to Kukai (Kobo-Daishi), who was commissioned by the Emperor to write the plaque for the Otenmon Gate in Kyoto. After it was hung, he realized he had forgotten to add a dot to the character for 'o' (応). Remaining calm, he threw his ink-soaked brush at the plaque to add the missing dot and complete the character.
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Source Note
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