protestare
/pro.tesˈta.re/
The English phrase "protest" can be translated into Italian as protestare.
protestare is used to describe a collective gesture of disapproval, such as participating in a demonstration. It is also used to mean making a strong or formal objection.
Meaning: collective gesture of disapproval: demonstration (noun)
Which one should you use?
While protestare can refer to making a formal objection, it is also the standard verb used when talking about participating in a demonstration.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
protestare is a regular -are verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /pro.tesˈta.re/. It has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 3rd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word protestare can also mean to solemnly declare or affirm something, a meaning inherited from its Latin roots.
- In Italy, a common way to protestare is through a sciopero, a general strike that can shut down entire cities by halting public transport and schools.
- While an English speaker might say they are 'protesting', an Italian might say they are facendo una manifestazione to describe the physical act of a street protest.
Examples in context
- Aprì la bocca per protestare.She opened her mouth to protest.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use protestare to describe the act of protesting.Tatoeba #9033186 by Guybrush88, translation #7390281 by CH
- Tom aprì bocca per protestare.Tom opened his mouth to protest.Tatoeba #2993693 by Guybrush88, translation #2642329 by CK
- Non sentivano più il bisogno di protestare.They no longer felt a need to protest.Tatoeba #3269493 by Guybrush88, translation #802400 by Source_VOA
- Abbiamo organizzato una protesta contro la politica attualeWe have organized a protest against current politics
- La manifestazione di ieri ha visto la partecipazione di migliaia di personeYesterday's demonstration saw the participation of thousands of people
- L'opposizione sta organizzando una serie di proteste contro la nuova leggeThe opposition is organizing a series of protests against the new law
- Domani parteciperò alla marcia di protesta per i diritti civiliTomorrow I will participate in the protest march for civil rights
- Ieri è stato organizzato un corteo di protesta contro la costruzione dell'autostradaYesterday, a protest procession was organized against the construction of the highway
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new city law.
- AlessandroDobbiamo protestare contro questa nuova legge.We must protest against this new law.
- SofiaHai ragione, è davvero ingiusta.You are right, it is really unfair.
- AlessandroVuoi venire in piazza a protestare domani?Do you want to come to the square to protest tomorrow?
- SofiaSì, Sofia sarà lì con noi.Yes, Sofia will be there with us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry protestare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
