Chinese word

志愿

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhì yuàn

Meaning

  • verbvolunteer

Example

志愿参加这个活动。zhì yuàn cān jiā zhè ge huó dòng

They volunteer to participate in this activity.

Illustration for 志愿 (volunteer)

More examples

她志愿留下来加班。tā zhì yuàn liú xià lái jiā bān

She volunteered to stay and work overtime.

Core concept

A personal wish or choice placed before an organization as a commitment to take part.

Common phrases

  • 志愿帮助别人zhì yuàn bāng zhù bié rén

    volunteer to help others

  • 志愿服务社区zhì yuàn fú wù shè qū

    volunteer to serve the community

Similar words

报名bào míng: Sign up for an activity or test by giving a name and required information.
申请shēn qǐng: Formally apply for a place, job, qualification, or permission.
参加cān jiā: Join an activity or gathering and take part with others.

Definition in Chinese

把自己的意愿向组织或机构提出作为申请或选择，常用于报名、申请或表达志向。bǎ zì jǐ de yì yuàn xiàng zǔ zhī huò jī gòu tí chū zuò wéi shēn qǐng huò xuǎn zé cháng yòng yú bào míng shēn qǐng huò biǎo dá zhì xiàng

Word origin

The compound 志 (zhì, "will") + 愿 (yuàn, "wish") joins inner purpose with desire, yielding a wish stated as a chosen commitment.

Usage tips

  • The Chinese verb does not by itself promise unpaid work; it can mark a chosen application or participation in an organized activity.

Other meanings

  • offerverb
  • applyverb
  • aspirationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 志愿服务zhì yuàn fú wùvolunteer servicenoun

Word lists with this word