Translation guide
The animal 'monkey' is most commonly 猿 (さる) in Japanese. There are also specific terms for different species, and some figurative uses.
猿
monkey (animal)
Referring to a monkey in general, or the most common native species (Japanese macaque).
The standard word for monkey. Covers most contexts.
There was a monkey in the park.
猿は木から木へ飛び移る。
Monkeys leap from tree to tree.
Polite or affectionate prefix 'o' added. Often used when speaking to children or in a cute context.
お猿さんがバナナを食べているよ。
The monkey is eating a banana!
Referring to a particular type of monkey, such as a chimpanzee or gorilla (often called 'apes' in English, but sometimes loosely 'monkey').
Calling someone a monkey in a playful or mildly scolding way.
Used affectionately for a mischievous child, like 'little monkey'.
うちのお猿さんがまたいたずらした。
Our little monkey got into mischief again.
Can be used directly, but may sound harsher without the 'o' prefix.
この猿め！
You little monkey! (playful or annoyed)
Someone who copies others, like the phrase 'monkey see, monkey do'.
Literal 'monkey imitation'. Means mindless copying or aping.
彼のやり方は猿真似だ。
His method is just monkey see, monkey do.
Verb phrase: to copy someone mindlessly.
彼はいつも私の猿真似をする。
He always copies me like a monkey.
Proverb meaning even experts make mistakes.
A well-known proverb. Used to console someone who made a mistake.
猿も木から落ちるというから、気にしないで。
They say even monkeys fall from trees, so don't worry about it.
In English, 'monkey' often excludes apes like chimpanzees and gorillas. In casual Japanese, 猿 can sometimes cover both, but in scientific or precise contexts, apes are 類人猿 (るいじんえん). If you need to be accurate, use the specific species name.
Adding お makes it sound cuter and softer. It's common when talking to or about small children. Without お, it can sound blunt or like you're calling someone an actual monkey.
あの猿を見て！
Look at that monkey!
Orangutan.
オランウータンは森に住んでいる。
Orangutans live in the forest.
Gibbons have long arms.