試行錯誤

• Reading: しこうさくご
• Romaji: shikousakugo
• Kanji breakdown: 試 (shi) — try, test; 行 (kou) — go, carry out; 錯 (saku) — mix up, err; 誤 (go) — mistake
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.koː.sa.kɯ.ɡo/

Meaning

Trial and error. The process of learning through repeated attempts and mistakes.

A four-character compound (四字熟語) used as both a noun and a する verb (試行錯誤する). Describes the iterative process of trying, failing, and adjusting. Widely used in business, education, research, and creative contexts. Carries a positive nuance of perseverance and learning from mistakes.

Examples

1. 新しいレシピは試行錯誤を繰り返して完成した。 The new recipe was perfected through repeated trial and error.
2. 試行錯誤しながらプログラミングを学んでいる。 I'm learning programming through trial and error.
3. この製品は何年もの試行錯誤の末に生まれた。 This product was born after years of trial and error.

Usage Guide

Context: business, research, creative work

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Compound of 試行 (shikou, trial/attempt) + 錯誤 (sakugo, error/mistake). Borrowed concept from English 'trial and error' expressed through classical Chinese-style compounding.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal