Translation guide
Expressing that an action is done by one's own free will, without being forced or paid.
The subject does something because they want to, not because they have to.
Adverb meaning 'spontaneously' or 'voluntarily', emphasizing internal motivation.
Doing work without receiving money, often for charity or experience.
Means 'without compensation'. Used for unpaid work or services.
Doing something proactively, without a request or order.
Literally 'from oneself'. Implies taking initiative without being told.
The English word 'voluntarily' is often translated as 自発的に, but in many natural Japanese sentences, phrases like 自分から or 進んで are more common. Using 自発的に in casual speech can sound stiff.
He voluntarily helped me.
Literally 'by one's own will'. Very natural for emphasizing personal choice.
I participated voluntarily.
Means 'willingly' or 'eagerly'. Often used when someone does something without hesitation.
She voluntarily took on that task.
Means 'optionally' or 'at one's discretion'. Often used in formal contexts like forms or rules.
Participation is voluntary.
He volunteers voluntarily (without pay).
Using the loanword 'volunteer' as an adverb. Very common for unpaid voluntary work.
I teach voluntarily on weekends.
I apologized voluntarily.
Means 'even without being told'. Emphasizes that no external prompt was needed.
I cleaned up voluntarily.