Translation guide
The process of finding a solution by trying different methods and learning from mistakes. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific nouns, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that emphasize repeated attempts and gradual improvement.
trial and error
Most common equivalent; can be used as a noun or with する.
Expressing the idea of solving problems through repeated experimentation and learning from failures.
The standard noun for 'trial and error'. Often used with する to mean 'to do by trial and error'.
I found a new method through trial and error.
It's important to repeat trial and error.
Literally 'to do by groping with hands', used figuratively for doing something by trial and error without clear guidance.
There was no manual, so I set it up by trial and error.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'to proceed while accumulating failures', emphasizing the iterative nature of trial and error.
We made improvements little by little through trial and error.
Focusing on the process of learning a skill or improving something through repeated attempts.
Literally 'to repeat trial and error', commonly used when talking about iterative learning or development.
Cooking is something you get better at through trial and error.
Means 'learn by doing/trying', a casual way to express learning through trial and error.
Means 'learn from failures', highlighting the error part of trial and error.
Referring to trial and error as a formal method in research, engineering, or problem-solving.
While 試行錯誤 is the direct translation, it can sound formal. In casual conversation, phrases like 手探りでやる or やってみて覚える are often more natural. Use 試行錯誤 in writing or when you want to emphasize the systematic process.
The English phrase 'trial and error' is sometimes used loosely. In Japanese, 試行錯誤 implies a deliberate process of testing and learning. For simple 'trying something out', 試してみる (ためしてみる) might be better.
I learned to cook by trial and error.
We solved the problem through trial and error.
～の末 (～のすえ) means 'after a long process of...'
The best way to learn programming is by trial and error.
An attitude of learning from trial and error is important.
We proceeded with development by experimentally trying new materials through trial and error.