Inklingo

How to Say "to demonstrate" in Spanish

English → Spanish

demostrar

deh-mohs-TRARdemoˈstɾaɾ

verbA2general
Use 'demostrar' when you need to prove a fact, theory, or someone's innocence, akin to 'to prove'.
A friendly scientist character pointing confidently at a large, clear chart displaying a successful outcome, proving a point to a colleague who looks satisfied.

Examples

El abogado pudo demostrar la inocencia de su cliente.

The lawyer was able to prove his client's innocence.

Necesitas demostrar que tienes suficiente experiencia para el puesto.

You need to demonstrate that you have enough experience for the position.

La ciencia ha demostrado que el ejercicio es bueno para la salud.

Science has proven that exercise is good for your health.

Stem-Changing Verb (O > UE)

In the present tense, the 'o' changes to 'ue' in all forms except for 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural/Spain). This is a very common pattern in Spanish verbs.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo demostro (No stem change)”

Correction: Yo demuestro (Remember the 'ue' change in the present tense.)

mostrar

mo-STRARmosˈtɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'mostrar' when you are showing something, explaining a process, or presenting data, similar to 'to show' or 'to display'.
A baker demonstrating how to knead dough on a wooden counter, explaining a process.

Examples

Los datos muestran que la economía está mejorando.

The data demonstrates that the economy is improving.

Debemos mostrar respeto por las reglas.

We must show respect for the rules.

El informe mostró resultados inesperados.

The report proved/showed unexpected results.

manifestar

mah-nee-fehs-TARmaniφesˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'manifestar' specifically when referring to public demonstrations or protests, meaning 'to march' or 'to protest'.
A group of diverse people marching together outdoors and holding up blank colorful signs.

Examples

Los estudiantes se manifestaron frente a la universidad.

The students protested in front of the university.

Mucha gente se manifiesta para pedir mejores salarios.

Many people are demonstrating to ask for better salaries.

Mañana nos manifestaremos pacíficamente.

Tomorrow we will protest peacefully.

Using 'Se'

When you add 'se' (making it manifestarse), the meaning changes from simply 'expressing an opinion' to 'taking part in a public protest.'

Forgetting the 'Se'

Mistake: “Mucha gente manifestaron ayer.”

Correction: Mucha gente se manifestó ayer. To talk about a protest, you must use the reflexive pronoun 'se'.

Demostrar vs. Mostrar

Learners often confuse 'demostrar' and 'mostrar'. Remember that 'demostrar' implies proving something is true (like innocence), while 'mostrar' is about showing or displaying information or a process. Think 'prove' for 'demostrar' and 'show' for 'mostrar'.

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