吃一堑长一智
chī​yī​qiàn​zhǎng​yī​zhì

to learn from mistakes

  1. 吃 chī verb
    to suffer
    to suffer; to incur; to bear a burden or experience a negative state like a shock or defeat
  2. 一 yī numeral
    one
    one; the number 1; single; alone
  3. 堑 塹 qiàn
    chasm
    (bound form) a deep gorge or natural barrier, often referring to difficult terrain; also used as a metaphor for a difficulty or setback
  4. 长 長 zhǎng verb
    to increase
    to increase; to enhance; to augment
  5. 一 yī numeral
    one
    one; the number 1; single; alone
  6. 智 zhì nounadjective
    wisdom; wise
    wisdom; resourcefulness; intelligence; wit; wise; clever; having deep insight