志 願 者(しがんしゃ)

しがんしゃ

noun

applicant; volunteer; candidate

1. applicant; volunteer; candidate

A person who voluntarily applies or puts themselves forward for something, such as military service, a position, or a task. Implies willingness and initiative.

志願者(しがんしゃ)を募集(ぼしゅう)する。

To recruit volunteers.

今年(ことし)の志願者(しがんしゃ)数(すう)は過去最高(かこさいこう)だった。

The number of applicants this year was the highest ever.

危険(きけん)な任務(にんむ)にもかかわらず、多(おお)くの志願者(しがんしゃ)が名乗(なの)り出(で)た。

Despite the dangerous mission, many volunteers came forward.

Composed of 志願(しがん) (volunteering, application by choice) + 者(しゃ) (person). Emphasizes that the person acts of their own will, not under compulsion. Originally associated with military volunteering, now used broadly.

Common collocations

志願者(しがんしゃ)を募(つの)る: to solicit volunteers
志願者(しがんしゃ)数(すう): number of applicants
志願者(しがんしゃ)が殺到(さっとう)する: to be flooded with applicants
志願者(しがんしゃ)が名乗(なの)り出(で)る: for a volunteer to come forward

Similar words

応募者(おうぼしゃ): applicant — responding to a public call or advertisement
候補者(こうほしゃ): candidate — someone nominated or standing for selection
ボランティア: volunteer — the loanword, more associated with community service

Related Words

Compare: 応募者(おうぼしゃ) (applicant)

Compare: 候補者(こうほしゃ) (candidate)

Compare: ボランティア (volunteer)

Compare: 有志(ゆうし) (volunteers, interested parties, like-minded people)

Compare: 有志者(ゆうししゃ) (volunteer)

general

Added 2026.3.31 5:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

20500/20919_shigansha