How to Say "to manifest" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to manifest” is “decretar” — use 'decretar' when you want to state or declare something as true, often with the intention of making it happen, similar to 'to decree' or 'to ordain'..
decretar
/deh-creh-TAR//de.kɾe.ˈtaɾ/
Examples
Yo decreto que este proyecto será un éxito rotundo.
I decree that this project will be a resounding success.
Hoy decreto que será un día lleno de éxitos.
Today I manifest that it will be a day full of success.
Ella siempre decreta abundancia para su familia.
She always affirms abundance for her family.
Si quieres algo, decrétalo al universo.
If you want something, manifest it to the universe.
Direct Object vs. That-Clause
You can 'decretar' a thing (Yo decreto abundancia) or 'decretar' that something will happen (Yo decreto que me irá bien). Both are common in this context.
Don't confuse with 'decir'
Mistake: “Yo decreto que el perro tiene hambre.”
Correction: Yo digo que el perro tiene hambre. 'Decretar' implies you are trying to make the reality happen through your words, not just stating a fact.
reflejar
/re-fleh-HAR//refleˈxaɾ/
Examples
Su comportamiento refleja un profundo cansancio.
His behavior reflects deep tiredness.
Sus palabras reflejan una gran sabiduría.
Her words reflect great wisdom.
El informe no refleja la realidad de la situación.
The report does not reflect the reality of the situation.
La caída de las ventas refleja la crisis económica.
The drop in sales reflects the economic crisis.
Abstract Subjects
Unlike the physical meaning, the figurative meaning often uses abstract things as the subject, such as 'The report reflects' or 'Her face reflects'.
Reflejar vs Expresar
Mistake: “Using 'reflejar' when you mean to verbally state something.”
Correction: Reflejar is about what is visible or evident from the outside; use 'expresar' if someone is speaking their mind.
materializar
/mah-teh-ryah-lee-SAR//mateɾjaliˈθaɾ/
Examples
Una sombra oscura se materializó detrás de la cortina.
A dark shadow materialized behind the curtain.
La figura del fantasma se materializó en el pasillo.
The ghost's figure materialized in the hallway.
Sus peores miedos se materializaron esa noche.
His worst fears came true that night.
El acuerdo finalmente se materializó tras meses de negociación.
The agreement finally took shape after months of negotiation.
Using 'Se'
Add 'se' before the verb (se materializa) when the thing is happening by itself, rather than someone doing it.
Forgetting the 'Se'
Mistake: “El sueño materializó.”
Correction: El sueño se materializó. Without 'se', the sentence sounds incomplete in Spanish when things happen on their own.
Decretar vs. Reflejar
Related Translations
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