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How to say "monkey" in Japanese

さる · saru

"Monkey" in Japanese is (saru), often written サル. Japan's native monkey is the ニホンザル (Nihonzaru), known as the snow monkey.

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Ways to say "monkey" in Japanese

JapaneseWhen to use it
さる · saruMonkey.
にほんざる · NihonzaruJapanese macaque (snow monkey).

How to use it

The snow monkeys in hot springs at Jigokudani in Nagano are famous around the world.

The proverb 猿も木から落ちる means "Even monkeys fall from trees," or "Everyone makes mistakes."

Example sentences

Questions

What does 猿も木から落ちる mean?

It means "Even monkeys fall from trees," so even skilled people make mistakes.

Where can you see snow monkeys in Japan?

Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is famous for Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs in winter.

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