志愿 zhìyuàn aspiration
aspiration; ambition; to volunteer
How to remember 志愿: 志 intention + 愿 wish = aspiration.
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How it is used
- Aspiration, or to do something voluntarily - 填报志愿 (tiánbào zhìyuàn) fill in your college preferences; 志愿服务 (volunteer service).
- Two threads: (1) a stated choice/wish (esp. exam school choices), (2) the 'voluntary' sense in 志愿者 (volunteer), 志愿军.
- Note 自愿 (zìyuàn) is 'of one's own free will'; 志愿 leans toward an aspiration one signs up for.