manifestar
“manifestar” means “to express” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to express
Also: to state, to show
📝 In Action
El director manifestó su alegría por los resultados.
B2The director expressed his joy regarding the results.
Debes manifestar tus dudas antes de firmar el contrato.
B2You should state your doubts before signing the contract.
Manifestaron su desacuerdo con la nueva ley.
C1They showed their disagreement with the new law.
to protest
Also: to demonstrate
📝 In Action
Los estudiantes se manifestaron frente a la universidad.
B1The students protested in front of the university.
Mucha gente se manifiesta para pedir mejores salarios.
B1Many people are demonstrating to ask for better salaries.
Mañana nos manifestaremos pacíficamente.
B1Tomorrow we will protest peacefully.
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "manifestar" in Spanish:
to demonstrate→to express→to protest→to show→to state→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: manifestar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence means 'The symptoms appeared last night'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'manifestare', meaning 'to make public or evident'. It comes from 'manus' (hand) and 'festus' (struck), essentially meaning something 'caught by the hand' or clearly visible.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does manifestar mean 'to manifest' like in the law of attraction?
While it is becoming more common due to English influence, traditionally 'manifestar' means to express or protest. For the law of attraction, Spanish speakers often use 'atraer' (to attract) or 'hacer realidad' (to make real).
What is the difference between manifestar and expresar?
They are very similar, but 'manifestar' is more formal and often used for official statements, whereas 'expresar' can be used for any feeling or idea.
Is it always irregular?
No! It only changes the 'e' to 'ie' in the present tense (and present subjunctive) when that syllable is stressed. In the past tense (preterite), it is completely regular.