奉仕活動(ほうしかつどう)

A formal compound meaning volunteer or service activities performed for the benefit of the community without compensation. The word 奉仕(ほうし) (service, devotion) gives this term a slightly more formal and selfless nuance compared to the loanword ボランティア.

Common collocations

• 奉仕活動(ほうしかつどう)に参加(さんか)する: to participate in volunteer work
• 奉仕活動(ほうしかつどう)に取(と)り組(く)む: to engage in service activities
• 地域(ちいき)奉仕活動(ほうしかつどう): community service
• 清掃(せいそう)奉仕活動(ほうしかつどう): cleanup volunteer work

Similar words

• ボランティア活動(かつどう): volunteer activities (more casual; the most common term in everyday speech)
• 社会貢献(しゃかいこうけん): social contribution (broader; includes corporate philanthropy and paid work that benefits society)
• 慈善活動(じぜんかつどう): charity work (focuses on helping the poor or disadvantaged)

Usage

奉仕活動(ほうしかつどう) is preferred in formal writing, school contexts, and official announcements. ボランティア活動(かつどう) is more natural in casual conversation. Schools in Japan often organize 奉仕活動(ほうしかつどう) as part of the curriculum.