How to say "volunteer" in Japanese

• ボランティアCommon
  nounThe everyday word for a volunteer — someone who works without pay for a cause, community, or event — and, by extension, for the activity itself; this is the word you want in most ordinary contexts.
  彼かれらはボランティアを必要ひつようとしている。↗

  They are in need of volunteers.
• 有志ゆうしCommon
  no-adjectivePeople who take part or act of their own initiative — "volunteers" in the sense of those willing to help, often a group within an organization; typical of written notices and announcements.
  その協会きょうかいは有志ゆうしを求もとめる広告こうこくをテレビに出だした。↗

  The institution advertised on TV for volunteers.
• 進み出るすすみでるCommon
  ichidan verb, intransitive verbA verb: to step forward or come forward of one's own accord, hence "to volunteer (to do something)"; use it for the act of offering oneself for a task, not for the person.
  その勇敢ゆうかんなる騎士きしは進み出すすみでてその貴婦人きふじんの手てにキスをする。↗

  The brave knight steps forward and kisses the lady on the hand.
• 篤志家とくしかCommon
  nounReally "philanthropist" or "charitable person" — someone devoted to good causes, often through giving; only loosely a "volunteer", so it is seldom the word you want for ordinary volunteer work.

Use 「ボランティア」 for the everyday person or activity, 有志 for people acting on their own initiative, 「進み出る」 for the verb "to volunteer", and 篤志家 only for someone devoted to philanthropy.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• ボランティアvolunteer
• 有志ゆうしinterested person
• 進み出るすすみでるto step forward
• 篤志家とくしかcharitable person
• 挺するていするto put (oneself) forward
• 買って出るかってでるto take upon oneself
• 挺すていすto put (oneself) forward
• 希望者きぼうしゃapplicant
• 手を挙げるてをあげるto throw one's hat in the ring