manifestation
/ma.ni.fɛs.ta.sjɔ̃/
The English word 'protest' can be translated into French as manifestation. Wiktionary also lists protestation.
Meaning: collective gesture of disapproval: demonstration (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| manifestation | /ma.ni.fɛs.ta.sjɔ̃/ | |
| protestation | /pʁɔ.tɛs.ta.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
The term refers to a collective gesture of disapproval: demonstration.
Which one should you use?
While 'protest' in English often refers to the act of objecting, the French word manifestation is the standard term for a physical march or public demonstration in the streets. In contrast, protestation refers more to the verbal or written expression of a strong objection or an emphatic declaration, rather than a physical street protest.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, manif is a commonly used colloquial abbreviation for a demonstration.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ma.ni.fɛs.ta.sjɔ̃/ and has 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- A person might make a protestation d'amour, which has absolutely nothing to do with a political demonstration and instead means a passionate declaration of love.
- If you tell a French person you are going to a manifestation, they will picture people in the streets, whereas in English a 'manifestation' often refers to a spiritual or supernatural appearance.
- In French legal contexts, a protestation can be a formal declaration that a debt has not been paid, similar to a legal protest of a bill.
Examples in context
- Je dois soulever une protestation.I must protest.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of protestation.Tatoeba #2482596 by sacredceltic, translation #2245991 by CK
- Il y a eu une avalanche de protestations.There was an avalanche of protest.Tatoeba #4895963 by sacredceltic, translation #9435449 by sundown
- La police a tenté d'arrêter la manifestation de rue.The police tried to stop the street protest.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of manifestation.Tatoeba #1144548 by sacredceltic, translation #13307197 by Lebensfreude
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are talking about the news.
- ChloéTu as vu la manifestation au centre-ville ?Did you see the protest downtown?
- HugoOui, il y avait beaucoup de monde.Yes, there were a lot of people.
- ChloéC'est pour quelle cause exactement ?What cause is it for exactly?
- HugoC'est une manifestation pour le climat.It is a protest for the climate.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “protest” translations and entries manifestation, protestation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
