voluntarily; on one's own initiative; by choice
Emphasizes that the action is taken willingly, without being asked or forced. Often used when someone steps forward or does something proactively.
彼は自ら進んでその仕事を引き受けた。
He voluntarily took on that task.
自ら進んで手伝いましょうか？
Shall I help you of my own accord?
Standard kanji spelling for this adverbial phrase.
Kana spelling of the first part is common in everyday writing.
Compound of 自ら (oneself) and the adverbial form of 進む (to advance, to proceed), literally 'advancing by oneself.'