How to Say "voluntarily" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “voluntarily” is “libremente” — use 'libremente' when emphasizing that something is done without external constraints or limitations, focusing on freedom of movement or action..
libremente
/lee-breh-MEN-teh//liβɾeˈmente/
Examples
Los animales del zoológico ahora pueden moverse libremente en un espacio más amplio.
The zoo animals can now move freely in a larger space.
Los pájaros vuelan libremente en el cielo.
The birds fly freely in the sky.
En este foro puedes expresar tus ideas libremente.
In this forum, you can express your ideas freely.
Decidió actuar libremente sin seguir las órdenes de su jefe.
He decided to act on his own accord without following his boss's orders.
The '-mente' Ending
In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the feminine form of an adjective is just like adding '-ly' to an English word. Since 'libre' ends in 'e', it doesn't change before adding the ending.
Double Stress Rule
Even though it is written as one word, when you say it, you keep the original stress of 'libre' (LEE-bre) and add a second stress on 'MEN-te'.
Using 'gratis' instead
Mistake: “Me muevo gratis por la ciudad.”
Correction: Me muevo libremente por la ciudad.
voluntariamente
/vo-loon-tah-ryah-MEN-teh//boluntaɾjaˈmente/
Examples
Ella se ofreció voluntariamente para ayudar en el refugio de animales.
She volunteered to help at the animal shelter.
Él dejó su trabajo voluntariamente.
He left his job voluntarily.
Muchos ciudadanos se ofrecieron voluntariamente para ayudar tras la tormenta.
Many citizens volunteered willingly to help after the storm.
El sospechoso se presentó voluntariamente ante la policía.
The suspect turned himself in to the police by choice.
The '-mente' ending
In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the end of a word is just like adding '-ly' in English. It describes how someone does something.
Word Order
This word usually comes right after the action (the verb) to show that the action was done by choice.
Don't confuse it with 'for free'
Mistake: “Trabajo voluntariamente en el hospital.”
Correction: Trabajo como voluntario en el hospital.
Libremente vs. Voluntariamente
Related Translations
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