1.
volunteering, applying (of one's own will)
The act of voluntarily offering oneself or applying for something, especially military service, a position, or an organization. Implies self-motivation and willingness, as opposed to being conscripted or assigned.
軍に志願する。
To volunteer for the military.
彼は医学部を志願した。
He applied to the medical school.
危険な任務であったが、志願者は予想よりも多く集まった。
Although it was a dangerous mission, more volunteers gathered than expected.
USAGE:
志願 emphasizes the voluntary nature of the action. It contrasts with 徴兵 (conscription) in military contexts and with 強制 (compulsion) in general.
In educational contexts, 志願 means applying to a school, similar to 出願 but with more emphasis on personal aspiration.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 志願者: volunteer, applicant
- 志願兵: volunteer soldier
- 志願制: volunteer system (as opposed to conscription)
- 志願動機: motivation for applying