志愿者 zhìyuànzhě volunteer
How to remember 志愿者: 志 intention + 愿 wish + 者 specialist = volunteer.
Characters
How it is used
- A volunteer - 招募志愿者 (zhāomù zhìyuànzhě) recruit volunteers; 做志愿者 to volunteer.
- 者 marks 'the person who'. The activity/spirit is 志愿 (zhìyuàn) or 志愿服务 (volunteer service).
- Neutral modern term, common around events, charity, disaster relief. In Taiwan you'll also hear 志工 (zhìgōng).