有志者事竟成
you zhi zhe shi jing cheng
Where there's a will
직역: Possess (有) ambition (志) person (者), matter (事) finally (竟) succeeds (成).
15초 만에
- Determination leads to eventual success.
- The Chinese version of 'Where there's a will'.
- Perfect for encouragement and celebrating hard-won victories.
뜻
This phrase is the ultimate cheerleader. It means that if you have the determination and resolve to do something, you will eventually succeed, no matter how hard the path is.
주요 예문
3 / 6Encouraging a friend studying for the HSK exam
别放弃，有志者事竟成！
Don't give up, where there's a will, there's a way!
A boss praising a team after a long project
经过三个月的努力，我们终于做到了。真是有志者事竟成。
After three months of hard work, we finally did it. Truly, where there's a will, there's a way.
Texting a sibling who just finished a marathon
太棒了！有志者事竟成，为你骄傲！
Amazing! Where there's a will, there's a way. So proud of you!
문화적 배경
This idiom originated in the Han Dynasty, specifically from the 'Book of the Later Han'. It was a royal compliment given by Emperor Guangwu to a general who showed incredible strategic resolve. Today, it is one of the most common 'motto' phrases found in Chinese classrooms and offices to inspire perseverance.
The 'Power Ending'
This phrase is most effective when used at the very end of your sentence. It acts like a powerful punctuation mark that leaves a lasting impression.
Don't Overuse It
Because it's a 'Chengyu' (idiom), using it for every tiny thing (like finding your keys) can make you sound a bit overly dramatic or sarcastic.
15초 만에
- Determination leads to eventual success.
- The Chinese version of 'Where there's a will'.
- Perfect for encouragement and celebrating hard-won victories.
What It Means
Think of this as the Chinese version of 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' It is all about grit. It suggests that success isn't just about luck or talent. It is about having a clear goal and refusing to quit. If you keep pushing, the universe eventually moves for you.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence to encourage someone. It works like a powerful proverb to end a speech or a text. You can also use it to describe someone's journey. It fits perfectly when someone finally hits a goal after many failures. Just drop it in when the vibe is 'don't give up.'
When To Use It
Use it when your friend is struggling with a hard exam. Use it in a wedding toast for a couple who overcame obstacles. It is great for fitness milestones or learning a difficult language. Use it when a colleague finally closes a tough deal. It adds a touch of wisdom and strength to the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are actually impossible. If your friend wants to fly by flapping their arms, this won't help. Avoid using it in very tragic or grieving situations. It might sound a bit dismissive of their pain. Also, don't use it for very trivial things. Using it because you finally found a parking spot is a bit much. It’s a 'big energy' phrase, so save it for real effort.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the 'Book of the Later Han.' It was famously said by Emperor Guangwu to his general, Geng Yan. Geng Yan had a bold plan that others doubted, but he succeeded. The Emperor was so impressed he used these exact words. It has been a staple of Chinese perseverance culture for two thousand years. It’s the backbone of the 'hard work pays off' mindset in China.
Common Variations
You might hear people just say 有志者. This implies the rest of the phrase. Some people might pair it with 苦心人，天不负. That means 'Heaven won't let down those who work hard.' Both emphasize that the universe rewards your sweat and tears. It’s the ultimate 'hustle' quote from ancient times.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is neutral to formal. It is highly versatile and safe to use with friends, family, or colleagues, but avoid using it for trivial successes to maintain its inspirational impact.
The 'Power Ending'
This phrase is most effective when used at the very end of your sentence. It acts like a powerful punctuation mark that leaves a lasting impression.
Don't Overuse It
Because it's a 'Chengyu' (idiom), using it for every tiny thing (like finding your keys) can make you sound a bit overly dramatic or sarcastic.
The Emperor's Approval
In China, this isn't just a proverb; it's a historical stamp of approval. When you use it, you're invoking the same energy an Emperor used to praise a legendary general.
예시
6别放弃，有志者事竟成！
Don't give up, where there's a will, there's a way!
A classic way to boost someone's morale during a long struggle.
经过三个月的努力，我们终于做到了。真是有志者事竟成。
After three months of hard work, we finally did it. Truly, where there's a will, there's a way.
Used here to validate the team's persistence and final victory.
太棒了！有志者事竟成，为你骄傲！
Amazing! Where there's a will, there's a way. So proud of you!
Short and punchy for a celebratory text message.
我终于吃完了这盘大餐，真是有志者事竟成啊！
I finally finished this huge meal; where there's a will, there's a way!
Using a grand idiom for a small, silly task creates a funny contrast.
虽然路途艰辛，但我们要相信有志者事竟成。
Though the road was hard, we must believe that where there's a will, there's a way.
Adds a formal, inspirational tone to a significant life milestone.
明天继续努力，有志者事竟成。
Keep working hard tomorrow; where there's a will, there's a way.
Commonly used as a personal mantra or self-affirmation.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct phrase to complete the encouragement.
只要你坚持练习，一定会成功的。毕竟___。
The context is about 'persisting in practice' (`坚持练习`), which perfectly matches the meaning of 'willpower leads to success'.
Which situation is MOST appropriate for this phrase?
When would you say '有志者事竟成'?
This phrase is specifically designed to encourage perseverance in the face of difficulty.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality and Usage Context
Used with friends as a joking or lighthearted encouragement.
Finally finished that video game? 有志者事竟成!
The most common usage in daily life and texts.
Keep studying, 有志者事竟成.
Used in speeches, literature, or professional feedback.
To the graduates: 有志者事竟成.
When to Use 有志者事竟成
Language Learning
Mastering 3000 characters
Sports Training
Running a first marathon
Career Goals
Landing a dream job
Personal Projects
Building a DIY furniture set
연습 문제 은행
2 연습 문제只要你坚持练习，一定会成功的。毕竟___。
The context is about 'persisting in practice' (`坚持练习`), which perfectly matches the meaning of 'willpower leads to success'.
When would you say '有志者事竟成'?
This phrase is specifically designed to encourage perseverance in the face of difficulty.
🎉 점수: /2
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Not at all! While it's an idiom, it's very common in casual texts to encourage friends, like saying 加油，有志者事竟成！
Yes, you can use it as a self-affirmation in your diary or when talking about your own goals, such as 我相信有志者事竟成.
In classical Chinese, 者 (zhě) means 'the person who.' So 有志者 literally means 'the person who has ambition.'
The meaning is identical. The only difference is the cultural flavor and the historical backstory involving a Han Dynasty emperor.
It's better to use it *while* they are trying or *after* they finally succeed. If they just failed, it might sound like you're saying they didn't have enough 'will.'
People usually say the whole five characters. Shortening it to just 有志者 is possible but less common in speech.
It's a classic, but it's not 'old-fashioned.' It's considered timeless and is still taught to every child in China.
Yes, it’s very appropriate for motivating a team or concluding a presentation about long-term goals.
A common opposite might be 半途而废 (bàn tú ér fèi), which means to give up halfway.
In this context, 竟 (jìng) means 'eventually' or 'finally,' emphasizing the result after a long process.
관련 표현
坚持不懈 (Persevere without giving up)
磨杵成针 (Grind an iron bar into a needle - patience leads to success)
功到自然成 (When enough work is put in, success comes naturally)
锲而不舍 (Keep carving - persistence pays off)
