manifestar
/manifesˈtaɾ/
The English verb 'manifest' translates to the Spanish verb manifestar.
manifestar is used to show something plainly or to make it appear distinctly. In many contexts, it is used to mean expressing an opinion, a feeling or a desire publicly or formally. You may also use the expression poner de manifiesto to carry the notion of making something evident or bringing it to light.
Meaning: (''transitive'') to show plainly, to make to appear distinctly (verb)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'manifest' can function as an adjective, the Spanish verb manifestar is primarily a verb. To use the adjective 'manifest' (meaning apparent or evident to the senses) in Spanish, you would use the related form manifiesto. Additionally, if you want to say 'show' in a more versatile way, you can use mostrar.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
manifestar is a regular -ar verb in its conjugation patterns. For example, the third-person singular preterite form (meaning 'he/she/it manifested') is manifestó.
How do you pronounce it?
/manifesˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, manifestación refers specifically to a public protest or street march rather than just a general display of a feeling.
- Unlike the English 'manifest' which is often used in 'New Age' spiritual contexts to mean bringing something into existence, using manifestar in Spanish to describe 'bringing things into existence' would sound very strange and literal to a native speaker.
- In a religious context, manifestar can describe the epiphany or the divine revelation of a deity to humanity.
Examples in context
- Cada uno de nosotros puede manifestar las propiedades de un campo de conciencia que trasciende el espacio, el tiempo y la causalidad lineal.Each of us can manifest the properties of a field of consciousness that transcends space, time and linear causality.This sentence shows how manifestar can be used to describe manifesting properties of a field of consciousness.Tatoeba #3481544 by carlosalberto, translation #3481533 by carlosalberto
- Él decidió manifestar su apoyo a la causa.He decided to manifest his support for the cause.
- Sus acciones ponen de manifiesto su generosidad.His actions manifest his generosity.
- El pintor plasmó sus emociones en el lienzo.The painter manifested his emotions on the canvas.
- El paciente comenzó a manifestar nuevos síntomas.The patient began to manifest new symptoms.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a colleague's behavior at work.
- AlejandroCreo que Juan está muy estresado últimamente.I think Juan is very stressed lately.
- ElenaSí, el cansancio se puede manifestar en su actitud.Yes, exhaustion can manifest in his attitude.
- AlejandroDeberíamos hablar con él sobre su carga de trabajo.We should talk to him about his workload.
- ElenaEstoy de acuerdo, es lo mejor para él.I agree, it is best for him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “manifest” translations and entries manifestar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
