"learn the hard way" in Chinese (Simplified)
吃苦头才学会吃一堑长一智
Definition
通过经历问题、错误或困难而不是轻松被教导，来明白某事。
Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))
这个习语很口语，多用于感叹自己因吃亏或犯错才明白某道理。常用于讲述个人经历，有时带点无奈或幽默感。
Examples
He had to learn the hard way not to touch the stove.
他不得不**吃苦头才学会**不要碰炉子。
Sometimes you have to learn the hard way what is right.
有时候你得**吃苦头才学会**什么是对的。
She learned the hard way that cheating is not the answer.
她**吃苦头才学会**作弊不是办法。
I didn't listen to advice and had to learn the hard way.
我没听劝，只好**吃一堑长一智**。
Kids often learn the hard way why rules exist.
孩子们经常要**吃苦头才学会**为什么有规则。
You only forget your umbrella once—you learn the hard way!
伞只忘带一次，你就会**吃一堑长一智**！