adjective / adverb HSK 4
Traditional 自願
voluntary · willingly · of one's own free will
Meaning
自愿 means to do something voluntarily or willingly, without being forced or coerced. It emphasizes that an action comes from one's own desire or decision rather than external pressure. The word combines 自 (self) and 愿 (wish/willing), literally meaning 'self-willing.'
Usage
Commonly used in formal and informal contexts to describe voluntary actions, volunteer work, or decisions made freely. Often appears in phrases like 自愿参加 (voluntarily participate) or 自愿者 (volunteer). Can function as an adverb modifying verbs or as an adjective describing the nature of an action.
Examples
- 01他自愿留下来帮助我们完成这个项目。.He voluntarily stayed behind to help us complete this project.
- 02参加这次活动完全是自愿的，没有人强迫你。, .Participating in this activity is completely voluntary; no one is forcing you.
Characters
Common collocations
- 自愿参加to participate voluntarily
- 自愿者volunteer
- 自愿原则principle of voluntariness
- 自愿服务volunteer service
Antonyms
Origin
Compound word formed from 自 (self) and 愿 (willing/wish), creating the meaning of 'self-willing' or acting according to one's own wishes.