protestar
verbCEFR B2
What does “protestar” mean in English?
to protest, to object
to protest, to object (protestar contra/por — voice opposition; can be public demonstration or formal objection)
Example sentences
Miles de ciudadanos salieron a protestar contra las medidas de austeridad del nuevo gobierno.
Thousands of citizens took to the streets to protest against the new government's austerity measures.
El jugador protestó la decisión del árbitro ante el comité técnico del torneo.
The player contested the referee's decision before the tournament's technical committee.
How to use it
Protestar means 'to protest' or 'to complain'. Structure: protestar contra/por algo (protest against/about something); protestar que + indicative (assert/protest that...). Common in social/political registers. Manifestarse is more specific to street protests; quejarse to informal complaints.
Common mistake
Protestar contra (protest against) vs. protestar por (protest about/over). Both are standard. Manifestarse is specifically going out on a public march; protestar covers any form of objection.