How to Read “Dog and monkey”
Inu to saru
Meaning of “Dog and monkey”
“Dog and monkey” is a proverb that describes an extremely bad relationship, like the relationship between dogs and monkeys. It refers to a situation where two parties have a very hostile relationship and clash whenever they meet, making cooperation difficult.
This expression is used to explain situations where people who should have some kind of relationship simply cannot get along and constantly oppose each other.
This includes coworkers at work, family members and relatives, or neighbors. Unlike simple indifference or distance, this proverb describes relationships where active hostility and antagonism exist.
Even today, human relationships exist where people cannot find common ground due to personality clashes or differences in values.
This proverb compares such unavoidable conflicts to the instinctive repulsion between animals. It effectively conveys incompatibility that goes beyond logic.
It is still widely used as a phrase to express fundamental discord that is difficult to improve even with effort.
Origin and Etymology
The expression “Dog and monkey” is well known through the phrase “relationship of dog and monkey.” However, there are various theories about its origin, and clear documentary records are limited.
The most widely accepted theory is that it originates from ancient Chinese thought and folk traditions.
In the arrangement of the twelve zodiac animals, the dog and monkey are positioned next to each other, yet they have long been considered incompatible.
Additionally, observations of actual animal behavior show that dogs and monkeys fiercely threaten each other when they meet. This is thought to be the background of this expression.
In Japan, dogs and monkeys appear in the tale of Momotaro. Interestingly, these two animals initially do not get along.
They only build a cooperative relationship through Momotaro’s mediation. This suggests that the expression “relationship of dog and monkey” was already widely known when the story was created.
This expression appears in documents from the Edo period. This means it was established in Japan at least several hundred years ago.
Why were dogs and monkeys chosen to express a bad relationship, rather than other animals? Perhaps it was because both are animals close to humans, yet their natures are contrasting.
The obedience of dogs and the agility of monkeys may have been recognized as incompatible characteristics.
Usage Examples
- Those two are really like dog and monkey, so it’s better not to put them on the same project
- The department head and section chief have a dog and monkey relationship, and they clash at every meeting, which is troublesome
Universal Wisdom
Behind the long tradition of the proverb “Dog and monkey” lies an unavoidable truth about human relationships. That truth is the reality that some people simply cannot get along, no matter how hard they try.
We want to believe that “if we try hard enough, we can get along with anyone” or “if we understand each other, we can connect.”
However, humans have innate temperaments and values shaped by their upbringing. Sometimes these are fundamentally incompatible. This is not a matter of good or evil.
Like water and oil, some natures simply do not mix.
The deep insight this proverb offers teaches us the futility of trying to forcibly overcome such incompatibility.
Dogs are dogs, and monkeys are monkeys, each with their own essence. That essence cannot be changed, nor does it need to be.
In human society, building good relationships with everyone is impossible. Rather, acknowledging incompatibility and maintaining appropriate distance may be the wisdom that protects mutual dignity.
Our ancestors sought ways to coexist by recognizing differences, rather than forcing harmony.
This proverb frees us from perfectionism in human relationships. Not being able to get along with everyone is natural.
By understanding this, we are freed from unnecessary conflict. We can then focus our hearts on the relationships that truly matter.
When AI Hears This
Wild Japanese macaques and canines do not actually compete ecologically. Monkeys live mainly in trees and eat fruit and insects, while canines hunt on the ground.
In other words, their food and habitats differ, so there is no reason for them to fight in nature.
However, in the Momotaro tale, dogs and monkeys constantly quarrel. An interesting cognitive distortion is hidden here.
Dogs represent domesticated animals obedient to humans. Meanwhile, monkeys are portrayed as animals that resemble humans in appearance but do not obey human commands.
In other words, “the relationship of dog and monkey” is not based on ecological competition. It is an opposition created on a completely different axis: attitude toward humans.
This is a pattern we humans often fall into in daily life. We perceive as “enemies” those who do not actually compete with us.
For example, colleagues in different departments or experts in different fields. In reality, cooperation would benefit both parties, yet we deliberately create a framework of opposition.
In evolutionary biology, species can coexist by occupying different niches. However, in human society, we ignore this natural wisdom.
We create imaginary competitors based solely on differences in values or attitudes. The ironic truth that dogs and monkeys teach us is that most conflicts are actually misconceptions.
Lessons for Today
What the proverb “Dog and monkey” teaches modern people is the importance of “choice” in human relationships. Trying to build good relationships with everyone is a beautiful ideal, but it is not realistic.
What you should value is the choice of where to invest your limited time and energy.
Rather than spending enormous effort improving relationships with incompatible people, deepening bonds with those who understand and support you is far more valuable.
In modern society, social media and globalization provide opportunities to interact with more people than ever before.
That is precisely why seeking perfection in all relationships causes exhaustion. Acknowledging incompatibility is not giving up.
It is the courage to clarify your priorities in life.
When you face a dog and monkey relationship in unavoidable environments like work or school, maintain minimum courtesy while keeping appropriate distance.
Do not force yourself to become close. Treating it as a professional relationship is also adult wisdom.
By doing so, your peace of mind is protected. You can enrich the time spent with people who truly matter.
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