The Accent is Crucial

'Mató' is used for a single, completed action in the past. It tells you that someone or something *did* the killing and finished. It's a snapshot of a past event.

A Finished Past Action (Preterite Tense)

You can use 'matar' for more than just people or animals. A drought can 'kill' crops ('la sequía mató los cultivos'), or a power surge can 'kill' an appliance ('el apagón mató mi computadora').

Not Just for Living Things

Very common, especially in news reports, stories, and historical accounts.

This emotional use can be negative ('it killed the vibe') or positive ('it killed me with laughter'). Pay attention to the rest of the sentence to know if it's a good or bad thing.

For Good and Bad

Common in informal and figurative speech to add emphasis.

Learn the meaning of 'mató' in Spanish. See full conjugations for the verb 'matar', examples of literal and figurative use, and understand the crucial role of the accent mark.

mató

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations