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.
志願者を募集する。
To recruit volunteers.
今年の志願者数は過去最高だった。
The number of applicants this year was the highest ever.
危険な任務にもかかわらず、多くの志願者が名乗り出た。
Despite the dangerous mission, many volunteers came forward.
Composed of 志願 (volunteering, application by choice) + 者 (person). Emphasizes that the person acts of their own will, not under compulsion. Originally associated with military volunteering, now used broadly.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 志願者を募る: to solicit volunteers
- 志願者数: number of applicants
- 志願者が殺到する: to be flooded with applicants
- 志願者が名乗り出る: for a volunteer to come forward
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 応募者: applicant — responding to a public call or advertisement
- 候補者: candidate — someone nominated or standing for selection
- ボランティア: volunteer — the loanword, more associated with community service