The phrase "understand first-hand" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to have direct personal experience or knowledge of something. Example: "As a journalist, I wanted to understand the impact of the refugee crisis firsthand, so I traveled to the refugee camp and spoke with families there."
"I want to understand first-hand and not rely on translators".
After launching the initial focus on music at Apple and driving the vertical during my many years with the company, I understand first-hand how crucial — and challenging — rallying artists behind a product can be.
Portantino, who once lost a race for the La Cañada City Council by two votes, said in a prepared statement, "I understand first-hand that every vote counts.
I understand first-hand the pros and cons to being a stay-at-home mom and those of being a working mom; I did both.
Through role-playing a situation involving this issue, students understand first-hand the complexities involved in this sensitive issue.
Oscult was developed by Olivier Sautron and Thierry Payet, who understand first-hand the limited access that most people have to ultrasound machines.
Ms. Forbes understands first-hand why demand is growing.
He understands first-hand that poor camouflage patterns can cost lives on the battlefield.
This, too, is a kind of romanticism but one I understood first-hand, the adolescent romanticism of the first time, as all new knowledge, and even ordinary street views, seemed sufficiently wondrous and surprising to give rise to metaphysical and subjective delight.
She recalled times when a young relative of a geriatric patient "is hammering me with questions, and the patient is looking on in horror and pulls me aside and says, 'She's usually a nice person.' " Dr. Lavizzo-Mourey understands first-hand how being a minority can affect the quality of health care.
The app was thought up by Match Product Manager Patricia Parker, who understands first-hand both the challenges and the benefits of online dating – Parker met her husband online, so has direct experience in the world of online dating.
