Translation guide
The act of offering to do something without being paid, or the activity of doing unpaid work for a cause or organization.
The general concept of doing volunteer work, such as for a charity, community, or event.
The most common and direct equivalent. Used as a noun or with する to mean 'do volunteer work'.
I do volunteering on weekends.
I want to participate in volunteer activities.
A more formal term for volunteer or service activities, often used in official contexts.
We are focusing on community service activities.
Literally 'unpaid service'. Used in legal or very formal contexts to emphasize the lack of compensation.
He undertook the work as unpaid service.
The act of willingly offering one's help or services, often spontaneously.
A natural pattern meaning 'to do something voluntarily/on one's own initiative'. Replace ～ with the action.
He volunteered to help (without being asked).
Nobody was doing it, so I volunteered to do it.
Literally 'raise one's hand'. Used when volunteering in a group setting, like in a class or meeting.
Offering information, an answer, or an opinion without being directly asked.
To say something voluntarily. Often used when someone offers information unprompted.
He volunteered the secret (told it without being asked).
To willingly provide something (information, help). More formal.
While ボランティア is perfect for organized volunteer work, it is not used for the spontaneous act of offering to do a small task. In those cases, use phrases like 自分から進んで～する or 手を挙げる.
He volunteered to wash the dishes. (unnatural)
He volunteered to wash the dishes. (natural)
No one volunteered for the job.
誰か手伝ってくれる人？と聞かれて、すぐに手を挙げた。
When asked 'Can anyone help?', I immediately raised my hand (volunteered).
She volunteered the information.