猿(さる)

猿(さる) is the general word for monkey or ape. In Japanese, the same word covers both monkeys and apes, unlike English which distinguishes them. Japan's native species is the 日本猿(にほんざる) (Japanese macaque), found throughout the country.

Zodiac

申(さる) is the ninth animal of the Chinese zodiac (十二支(じゅうにし)). Written with a different kanji from the animal.

Common expressions

• 猿(さる)も木(き)から落(お)ちる: even experts make mistakes (lit. even monkeys fall from trees)
• 犬猿(けんえん)の仲(なか): bitter enemies (lit. dog-monkey relationship)
• 猿真似(さるまね): blind imitation, copycat behavior

Compounds

• 猿芝居(さるしばい): monkey business, transparent farce
• 子猿(こざる): baby monkey

Cultural note

The 三猿(さんざる) (three wise monkeys — see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil) at 日光(にっこう)東照宮(とうしょうぐう) are one of Japan's most famous carvings.