voluntario
adjectiveUpper-intermediate
What does “voluntario” mean in English?
voluntary, optional — done of one's own free will; 'participación voluntaria'; 'jubilación voluntaria' = voluntary redundancy
Example sentences
la afiliación al sindicato es voluntaria
membership of the trade union is voluntary
la jubilación anticipada fue voluntaria en este caso
early retirement was voluntary in this case
How to use it
'Voluntario/a' as an adjective means voluntary, optional, or of one's own free will — not compulsory. Collocates: 'participación voluntaria', 'jubilación voluntaria' (voluntary redundancy/early retirement), 'contribución voluntaria'. Distinguished from the noun 'voluntario/a' (a volunteer person) — same form.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the adjective 'voluntario' (optional/voluntary in nature) with the noun 'voluntario' (a volunteer person) — 'la participación es voluntaria' uses the adjective; 'ella es voluntaria' uses the noun.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Nociones específicas 4.5.