志願

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 志願(しがん) means voluntarily applying for a role, admission, or a similar opportunity and appears as 志願する.
• Basic usage: It is used when volunteering for an aid assignment or submitting admission documents.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Intention and action compared with 志望
  • 志望 focuses on a desired path or goal, whereas 志願 focuses on coming forward to obtain that role or opportunity.
• Linking the desired role
  • In 隊員に志願する, に marks the role one wishes to take.
  • 入学志願 is a compound noun for applying for admission.