Definition
志在必得 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'determined to achieve at all costs.' It literally breaks down as 志 (ambition) + 在 (lies in) + 必 (must) + 得 (get/have) — 'the ambition lies in definitely obtaining it.' You use it when someone has set their mind on a goal and is willing to put in everything to win. Common in sports, competitions, career goals, and any context where the speaker wants to emphasize unwavering resolve.
f.e.
determined to succeedresolved to achieve what one sets out to get
Examples
- 志在必得，。Zhè cì bǐsài tā zhì zài bì dé, xùnliàn fēicháng kèkǔ.He was determined to win this competition and trained very hard.
- 志在必得，。Gōngsī duì xīn xiàngmù zhì zài bì dé, tóurù le dàliàng zījīn hé rénlì.The company was determined to succeed in the new project, investing a large amount of capital and manpower.
- 志在必得，。Kǎoshēngmen zhì zài bì dé, dōu xiǎng kǎo shàng nà suǒ dǐngjiān dàxué.The test-takers were all determined to get in, all wanting to be admitted to that top-tier university.
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