asesinó
ah-seh-see-NOH
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
La prensa reportó que el criminal asesinó a su víctima en la calle.
B2The press reported that the criminal murdered his victim in the street.
El espía creyó que nadie lo vio cuando asesinó al líder enemigo.
B2The spy believed no one saw him when he assassinated the enemy leader.
¿Usted asesinó a esa persona? Necesitamos saber la verdad.
B2Did you murder that person? We need to know the truth. (Formal 'you')
💡 Grammar Points
Simple Past Action
This form, 'asesinó,' is the simple past (preterite) and tells you that the action started and finished at a specific point in the past. It's a completed event.
Who Did It?
The ending '-ó' means the subject was 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'ello' (it), or 'usted' (the formal way to say 'you').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Preterite and Imperfect
Mistake: "Using 'asesinaba' when reporting a single, completed action."
Correction: 'Asesinaba' (imperfect) describes ongoing or repeated actions in the past. Use 'asesinó' (preterite) for a single, decisive act of murder.
⭐ Usage Tips
The Personal 'a'
Remember to use the preposition 'a' before the person who was murdered: 'asesinó a la víctima' (He murdered the victim).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: asesinó
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'asesinó'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'asesinó' and 'mató'?
Both mean 'killed' in the past. 'Mató' (from *matar*) is the general term for killing, often used in less formal or even figurative ways (e.g., 'the heat killed me'). 'Asesinó' (from *asesinar*) specifically implies killing with malice, planning, or political intent (murder/assassination). It is a stronger, more formal word.
Does 'asesinó' always refer to a person?
Yes, when used literally, it requires a human subject (he/she/you) and a human victim. Figuratively, you might sometimes hear it describing the destruction of an idea or opportunity, but this is rare.