Live and learn Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɫaɪv/, /ˈɫɪv/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈɫɝn

LYV-uhnd-LURN or LIV-uhnd-LURN

UK

lɪv/ /ˈænd/ /lˈɜːn

liv-uhnd-LURN

Definition

This expression means that as you go through life, you always encounter new things to learn, often through experience or making mistakes.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, often said after experiencing something unexpected or learning from a mistake. Used to express acceptance or resignation about having learned something new, especially in everyday situations.

• Spanish: Siempre se aprende - Vivir y aprender
• Portuguese (BR): vivendo e aprendendo
• Portuguese (PT): vive e aprende
• Chinese (Simplified): 活到老学到老 - 活着就要不断学习
• Chinese (Traditional): 活到老學到老 - 活著就要不斷學習
• Hindi: इंसान सीखते सीखते जीता है - जीते हैं और सीखते हैं
• Arabic: يعيش ويتعلم
• Bengali: জীবন থেকে শেখা - জীবনে শিখতে হয়
• Russian: век живи — век учись
• Japanese: 生きて学ぶ - 失敗は成功のもと
• Vietnamese: học hỏi qua cuộc sống - sống để học
• Korean: 살면서 배우다 - 경험으로 배우다
• Turkish: insan yaşadıkça öğreniyor
• Urdu: عمر بھر سیکھتے رہنا
• Indonesian: hidup dan belajar - pengalaman adalah guru terbaik

Example Sentences

I made a mistake with the recipe, but you live and learn.

basic

We thought the train was at 8, but it left at 7—live and learn!

basic

She didn't know you had to water the plant every day. Live and learn.

basic

Forgot to save my work and lost it all—well, you live and learn.

natural

I used to think cats hated water, but mine loves it. You live and learn!

natural

Every time I travel, there’s always something new. You just live and learn.

natural