also: ならうよりなれよ
expression
practice makes perfect; experience is the best teacher; you learn best by doing
Proverb encouraging learning through hands-on experience rather than formal instruction. Often used to motivate someone to try something new.
料理は習うより慣れろだよ。まずは作ってみよう。
Cooking is something you learn best by doing. Let's just try making something first.
語学は習うより慣れろ。とにかく話してみることが大切だ。
With languages, practice makes perfect. The important thing is to just try speaking.
A Japanese proverb combining 習う (to learn) and 慣れる (to get used to), literally 'rather than learning, get used to it'. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural emphasis on experiential learning.