How to say "voluntary" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 任意にんいno-adjective, na-adjectiveCovers 'voluntary' meaning optional rather than compulsory: something you may do or provide at your own discretion, such as participation or disclosure. Its other senses, 'arbitrary' and 'random', are separate.
- 随意ずいいna-adjective, nounVoluntary in the sense of 'at one's own discretion': whether to act is left to the individual. In medical use it also describes bodily movement under conscious, willed control.
- 自主的じしゅてきna-adjectiveVoluntary in the sense of self-motivated and self-directed: done on one's own initiative rather than on orders or prompting. Fits independent study, training, or an organization's autonomous activities.
- 自発的じはつてきna-adjectiveVoluntary as in spontaneous and unprompted: the person acts of their own accord, without being asked. Suits willing offers, cooperation, or apologies that come from within rather than from instruction.
- 無報酬むほうしゅうno-adjectiveReally means 'unpaid' or 'without reward'; it fits 'voluntary' only when lack of payment is the point, as in voluntary work. It says nothing about willingness, so it is seldom the word you want.
任意 marks something as optional rather than required; 随意 leaves action to individual discretion; 自主的 stresses self-directed initiative; 自発的 stresses spontaneous willingness; 無報酬 covers only the unpaid sense of voluntary.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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