"find out the hard way" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 吃亏才知道
• 通过教训才明白

Definition

通过经历困难或不愉快的事情自己才能明白某个道理，通常是自己犯了错误。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

非正式表达，强调只有亲身经历了不好的事情才明白，有时带有自嘲色彩。通常用于 '我' 或 '你'，表达个人教训，而非从别人的错误中学到。

Examples

He found out the hard way that the stove was hot.

他是**吃亏才知道**炉子很烫的。

I found out the hard way that you shouldn't touch electric wires.

我**通过教训才明白**不能碰电线。

We found out the hard way that hiking at night is dangerous.

我们是**吃亏才知道**夜间徒步很危险。

You never lock your bike? You'll find out the hard way if you're not careful.

你不锁自行车？你会**吃亏才知道**，要小心。

Some things you just have to find out the hard way.

有些事只有**通过教训才明白**。

I told him, but he had to find out the hard way.

我劝过他，但他还是**吃亏才知道**。