How to Read “犬猿の仲”
Ken’en no naka
Meaning of “犬猿の仲”
“Dog monkey’s relationship” refers to a relationship that is instinctively incompatible, like that between dogs and monkeys, where two parties simply cannot get along no matter what.
This proverb does not refer to temporary quarrels or differences of opinion, but rather points to serious antagonistic relationships where fundamental personalities and values are incompatible. Just as dogs and monkeys have biologically different habits and are adversaries in nature, it expresses that among humans too, there are relationships where people simply cannot understand each other due to inherent differences in personality and ways of thinking.
It is used in various situations such as between bosses and subordinates in the workplace, classmates at school, and neighborhood relationships. The reason for using this expression is to emphasize that the conflict is not superficial, but based on deep-rooted differences in nature. Even today, with the diversification of values, such fundamentally incompatible human relationships are not uncommon. However, it’s important to understand that this proverb objectively describes a situation and does not recommend abandoning efforts to improve the relationship.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “dog monkey’s relationship” lies in the instinctive relationship between the animals dog and monkey. These two animals have long been known as representatives of incompatibility.
In fact, dogs and monkeys are often in adversarial relationships in the wild. Dogs are carnivorous animals that hunt in packs, while monkeys are omnivorous animals that live in trees. In places where their habitats overlap, dogs sometimes attack monkeys, and monkeys sometimes disturb dogs’ territories. This natural antagonistic relationship was observed by people and became established as a proverb.
In Japan, descriptions expressing the incompatibility between dogs and monkeys can be found in literature from the Heian period. In particular, the skirmishes between dogs kept at imperial courts and aristocratic residences and wild monkeys that appeared in gardens were likely familiar sights to people of that time.
There are also stories depicting conflicts between dogs and monkeys in Chinese classics, and it’s possible that these were transmitted to Japan and became established there. In any case, it was very natural that the instinctive antagonistic relationship between these two animals came to be used as a metaphor for human relationships.
Interesting Facts
Interestingly, many cases have been reported of dogs and monkeys getting along well in actual zoos. It has been found that these two species, which are adversaries in the wild, can coexist under human management.
Also, in the famous Japanese folktale “Momotaro,” a dog and monkey (along with a pheasant) cooperate to defeat demons, but this setting, which contrasts with the proverb “dog monkey’s relationship,” may have been impressive to people of that time precisely because it was such an unexpected combination.
Usage Examples
- Those two have been in a dog monkey’s relationship since long ago, and whenever they’re in the same department, they inevitably clash
- We’re in a dog monkey’s relationship with the neighboring house, so neighborhood association meetings always have an awkward atmosphere
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of the expression “dog monkey’s relationship” has also been changing. With the spread of social media and the internet, differences in values have become more clearly visible, and this proverb is now often understood in new contexts.
In online discussions, conflicts that are truly like “dog monkey’s relationship” tend to arise from differences in political positions and views on social issues. With real-time interaction now possible, emotional conflicts can easily escalate, and once relationships become strained, it’s not uncommon for them to become difficult to repair.
On the other hand, modern psychology and human relations theory consider that relationships like “dog monkey’s relationship” actually hold potential for mutual understanding. In modern society that values diversity, coexistence with people holding different values is required, and relationships that were once given up as “inevitable conflicts” are now suggested to have potential for improvement through advances in communication techniques.
In corporate human resource management as well, the concept of this proverb is being applied to challenges of how to position employees who don’t get along with each other and how to build teamwork. Even if complete harmony is impossible, efforts to understand each other’s characteristics and build constructive relationships are being emphasized.
When AI Hears This
“Inu-en no naka” (being like cats and dogs) actually represents a complex psychological phenomenon where three cognitive biases hardwired into the human brain operate simultaneously.
First, “in-group bias” kicks in. Harvard University experiments revealed that even after just a few minutes of group division, people overestimate their own group while underestimating the opposing group. The rivalry between dog lovers and cat lovers is more strongly influenced by attachment to “the side I chose” than by the actual characteristics of the animals themselves.
Next, “confirmation bias” joins the mix. Once the brain recognizes “I don’t like that person,” it unconsciously tends to remember only that person’s negative aspects while easily forgetting the positive ones. Stanford University research found that when interpreting the actions of adversaries, 67% of people perceive even neutral behaviors negatively.
Finally, “hostile attribution bias” delivers the knockout punch. We tend to interpret opponents’ failures as “character flaws” while dismissing their successes as “just lucky.” This stems from overactivity in the amygdala and becomes particularly pronounced under stress.
What’s fascinating is that fMRI studies show that simply thinking about someone we dislike activates the same brain regions as physical pain. This means “being like cats and dogs” isn’t just a metaphor—for the brain, it’s literally a “painful” relationship. Ancient people brilliantly captured this complex psychological mechanism that modern science has only recently unraveled, expressing it through the simple relationship between animals.
Lessons for Today
What “dog monkey’s relationship” teaches modern people is the importance of accepting the diversity of human relationships. You cannot get along with everyone, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.
What’s important is to accept the natural fact that there are people you don’t get along with, and then think about how to build constructive relationships. In workplaces, schools, and local communities, there are situations where you must cooperate regardless of personal likes and dislikes. In such times, rather than trying to change the other person, wisdom is needed to move toward common goals while recognizing each other’s differences.
This proverb also teaches us the importance of understanding ourselves. By knowing what kind of people we don’t get along with and why we don’t get along with them, we can understand our own values and personality more deeply.
In modern society, while diversity is respected, there is also a tendency to avoid conflict. However, healthy conflict can also be an opportunity for growth. There might be things to learn precisely from those with whom we have a “dog monkey’s relationship.” What’s important is not to fear conflict, but never to forget respect for the other person.
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