Definition
志愿 (zhìyuàn) has two distinct uses: as a noun it means 'aspiration, ambition' or 'college preference' (e.g., 高考志愿), and as a verb it means 'to volunteer' (to do something). As a verb, it is more formal than 自愿 (zìyuàn), which emphasizes acting willingly of one's own free will. As a noun, it is a broader, more goal-oriented term than 心愿 (xīn yuàn 'cherished wish') or 意愿 (yì yuàn 'desire').
noun
aspirationambition(college) preference
verb
to volunteer (to do something)
Easily confused
- 支援zhī yuánsound-aliketo support, to assist, to provide aid
- 职员zhí yuánsound-alikestaff member, office worker
Examples
- 志愿。Tā zhì yuàn zài shèqū zhōngxīn jiāo Yīngyǔ.He volunteers to teach English at the community center.
- 志愿。Tiánbào gāokǎo zhì yuàn xūyào shènzhòng kǎolǜ.Filling in college entrance exam preferences requires careful consideration.
- 志愿。Tā de zhì yuàn shì qù Fēizhōu zuò yīliáo yuánzhù.Her aspiration is to go to Africa for medical aid.
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