matado
“matado” means “exhausted” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
exhausted, worn out
Also: wiped out, spent
📝 In Action
Llegué a casa matado después del turno de diez horas.
B1I got home exhausted after the ten-hour shift.
Mi hermana está matada con los exámenes finales; no ha dormido bien.
B2My sister is worn out from final exams; she hasn't slept well.
killed
Also: murdered
📝 In Action
El animal encontrado era un venado matado por un cazador furtivo.
B1The animal found was a deer killed by a poacher.
Se confirmó que el ladrón fue matado durante el tiroteo.
B2It was confirmed that the thief was killed during the shootout.
bookworm
Also: grind, overachiever
📝 In Action
No salgas con él; es un matado que solo piensa en estudiar.
C1Don't go out with him; he's a bookworm who only thinks about studying.
Dejamos de ser amigos porque se volvió un matado y no tenía tiempo para fiestas.
C1We stopped being friends because he became a grind and had no time for parties.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "matado" in Spanish:
bookworm→exhausted→grind→killed→murdered→overachiever→spent→wiped out→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: matado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'matado' to mean 'exhausted'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the past participle of the verb 'matar' (to kill). The figurative meaning of 'exhausted' developed because hard work or effort can feel like it's 'killing' you. The usage meaning 'bookworm' stems from the idea of 'killing' yourself studying.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as past participle)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use 'matado' or 'cansado' if I am tired?
Use 'cansado' for general tiredness. Use 'matado' when you are *extremely* tired—when you feel completely worn out or wiped out. It’s stronger and more informal.
How do I make 'matado' feminine or plural?
Just like any other adjective ending in -o, change the ending: 'matada' (feminine singular), 'matados' (masculine plural), and 'matadas' (feminine plural). For example, 'Las chicas están matadas.'