voluntario
nounCEFR B2
What does “voluntario” mean in English?
1.voluntary, optional
voluntary, optional (done of one's own free will; participación voluntaria; trabajo voluntario)
2.volunteer — a person who freely offers to do something
volunteer — a person who freely offers to do something (participar como voluntario; trabajo voluntario; miles de voluntarios)
Example sentences
Más de dos mil voluntarios participaron en las labores de reforestación organizadas por la fundación.
More than two thousand volunteers took part in the reforestation work organised by the foundation.
El voluntariado corporativo es cada vez más valorado como parte de la responsabilidad social de las empresas.
Corporate volunteering is increasingly valued as part of companies' social responsibility.
Se ofreció como voluntaria para coordinar el equipo de logística durante la emergencia.
She volunteered to coordinate the logistics team during the emergency.
How to use it
El/la voluntario/a (noun, masculine/feminine) means 'volunteer' — a person who freely offers their time or services. Core B2 collocations: participar como voluntario; trabajo voluntario; miles de voluntarios; voluntariado (volunteer work as a collective activity); de forma voluntaria. The adjective is voluntario/a (also: voluntary, optional). Distinguish from colaborador (collaborator — paid or institutional) and activista (activist — politically motivated).
Common mistake
Voluntariado (noun, uncountable) = volunteer work/volunteering as a practice. Voluntario/a is the person. 'Voluntary' (adjective) = voluntario/a. 'On a voluntary basis' = de forma voluntaria. Don't confuse with donante (donor — gives money, not time).