What is the Chinese equivalent of "practice makes perfect"?

The closest everyday Chinese equivalent of "practice makes perfect" is 熟能生巧. A more classical Confucian idea is 学而时习之，不亦说乎, which connects learning, repeated practice, and reflection. These are related ideas, but not exact translations.

Quick answer: Use the table below to choose the safest Chinese match instead of treating every related quote as an exact translation.

Best Matches First

Match level	Chinese	Pinyin	English meaning	Best use	Warning
Closest proverb	熟能生巧	shú néng shēng qiǎo	Skill comes from repeated practice.	Simple writing, classroom motivation, habit building	Common proverb/chengyu; do not attribute it to Confucius.
Classical similar idea	学而时习之，不亦说乎	xué ér shí xí zhī, bù yì yuè hū	Learning becomes joyful through repeated practice and review.	Essays, Confucius quotes, formal writing	Not a direct translation of the English proverb.
Related but not equivalent	三人行，必有我师	sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī	One can learn from other people.	Humility, peer learning, classrooms	It is about learning from others, not repetition.

Common Mistake and Safe Use

Do not make every learning quote a "practice makes perfect" equivalent. The best page should tell readers which phrase is closest, which is classical, and which is only related.

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Questions People Ask

Is this an exact Chinese translation of “practice makes perfect”?

Usually no. This page separates the closest Chinese saying from classical related ideas and broader learning concepts.

Which version should I use in an essay or speech?

Use source-backed classical quotes for formal writing, and use common proverbs when you need a simple everyday equivalent.