voluntarios
/boh-loon-TAH-ree-ohs/
volunteers
These 'voluntarios' (volunteers) are people offering help to their community.
π In Action
Los voluntarios llegaron temprano para ayudar en la limpieza de la playa.
A2The volunteers arrived early to help with the beach clean-up.
Necesitamos mΓ‘s voluntarios para repartir las donaciones.
B1We need more volunteers to hand out the donations.
π‘ Grammar Points
Gender and Number
This word is the masculine plural form. If you are referring to a group of only women, you would use 'voluntarias'.
β Usage Tips
Using the Singular
To talk about one male volunteer, use 'un voluntario'. For one female volunteer, use 'una voluntaria'.
An action that is 'voluntario' (voluntary) is done by choice, like choosing an apple.
π In Action
Los trabajos voluntarios en la escuela son muy valorados.
B1The voluntary work at the school is highly valued.
Participar en estos proyectos es totalmente voluntarios.
B2Participating in these projects is totally voluntary.
π‘ Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'voluntarios' must agree in number and gender with the noun it describes. It is used here for masculine plural nouns (like 'proyectos' or 'servicios').
β Common Pitfalls
Mixing Adjective and Noun
Mistake: "Hicimos un voluntario (We did a volunteer)."
Correction: Hicimos un voluntariado (We did volunteering/volunteer work). 'Voluntario' as a noun is only used for the person.
β Usage Tips
Action vs. Person
Use 'voluntariado' (the work) or 'trabajo voluntario' (voluntary work) when referring to the activity itself, not 'voluntarios' (the people).
βοΈ Quick Practice
π‘ Quick Quiz: voluntarios
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'voluntarios' as an adjective (describing a quality)?
π More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'volunteering' (the activity) in Spanish?
You use the noun 'el voluntariado'. For example: 'Me gusta hacer voluntariado' (I like to do volunteering).
Is 'voluntarios' only for men?
No. 'Voluntarios' is the standard plural form used for mixed groups or groups of men. If the entire group consists only of women, you must use 'voluntarias'.