Meaning and Usage
"教訓" (きょうくん) refers to a lesson or moral teaching often derived from experience, stories, or advice. It is commonly used to express the valuable knowledge gained from mistakes or events.
Common Contexts
You will often see "教訓" used when reflecting on failures or experiences to highlight what should be remembered or avoided in the future. It can also appear in stories or fables that aim to teach morals.
Collocations and Patterns
- 教訓を学ぶ: to learn a lesson, often from a negative experience.
- 教訓を伝える: to convey a moral or lesson, typically in stories or advice.
- 教訓を生かす: to make use of a lesson, applying it to future behavior.
Register and Nuance
"教訓" is a formal word often used in written language, speeches, or serious conversations. It carries a tone of reflection and teaching rather than casual talk.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "教訓" with simple "lesson" (レッスン) which usually refers to academic or practical lessons. "教訓" specifically implies a moral or experiential lesson, not just any instruction.