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voluntario

boh-loon-TAH-ree-ohbolunˈtaɾjo

“voluntario” means “volunteer” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

volunteer

Also: conscript
NounmA2
A smiling person wearing gloves kneeling in a green park, planting a small tree sapling into the ground.

📝 In Action

El voluntario ayudó a repartir comida a los necesitados.

A2

The volunteer helped distribute food to those in need.

Necesitamos más voluntarios para limpiar el parque este sábado.

A2

We need more volunteers to clean the park this Saturday.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • trabajo voluntario – volunteer work
  • ser voluntario – to be a volunteer

voluntary, willing

A hand reaching down toward a bright blue circle, positioned next to a red square, illustrating the concept of making a choice.

📝 In Action

La decisión de retirarse fue totalmente voluntaria.

B1

The decision to retire was entirely voluntary.

El acuerdo es voluntario y no hay consecuencias si decides no participar.

B2

The agreement is voluntary, and there are no consequences if you decide not to participate.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • opcional (optional)
  • facultativo (optional/discretionary)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • servicio voluntario – voluntary service
  • despido voluntario – voluntary resignation

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "voluntario" in Spanish:

conscript→voluntary→volunteer→willing→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: voluntario

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'voluntario' correctly as a person (noun)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
voluntad(will; willpower) — Noun
voluntariado(volunteering; volunteer work) — Noun
voluntariamente(voluntarily) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin *voluntarius*, which means 'of free will' or 'willing.' It is built upon the Latin word *voluntas*, meaning 'will' or 'wish.' This root explains why the word is always connected to choice, desire, and lack of obligation.

First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)

Cognates (Related words)

English: voluntaryItalian: volontario

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'voluntario' (adjective) and 'voluntariamente' (adverb)?

'Voluntario' is used to describe a noun (a thing or person): 'un trabajo voluntario' (a voluntary job). 'Voluntariamente' is used to describe a verb (an action): 'Lo hice voluntariamente' (I did it voluntarily).

How do I talk about the general concept of volunteering?

Use the noun 'el voluntariado.' For example, 'El voluntariado es importante para la comunidad' (Volunteering is important for the community).