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matamos

mah-TAH-mohs

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1regular ar

we kill?Present tense, habitual action,we killed?Simple past tense, completed action

Also:we are killing?Present tense, action in progress,we turn off (a light/engine)?Figurative use, based on 'matar'

Quick Reference

infinitivematar

gerundmatando

past Participlematado

📝 In Action

Todos los veranos matamos las plagas del jardín.

Every summer we kill the pests in the garden.

Ayer matamos dos horas esperando el tren.

Yesterday we killed two hours waiting for the train.

Si matamos la luz, podremos ver las estrellas.

If we turn off the light, we will be able to see the stars.

Word Connections

Synonyms

asesinamos (we assassinate)
eliminamos (we eliminate)

Antonyms

vivimos (we live)
revivimos (we revive)

Common Collocations

matar el tiempo – to kill time
matar la sed – to quench thirst

Idioms & Expressions

matamos dos pájaros de un tiro – We killed two birds with one stone (achieved two goals with one action)

💡 Grammar Points

The Dual Tense Trick

'Matamos' is special because it is the exact same form for both the Present tense ('we kill') and the Simple Past tense ('we killed'). This only happens with the 'nosotros' form of verbs that end in -ar.

'Nosotros' Form

This form always refers to 'we' (nosotros/nosotras) doing the action. The context of the sentence (like time markers) tells you if the action is happening now or happened in the past.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Tenses

Mistake: "Using 'Matamos' to mean 'We killed' without including a past time word, making the listener think you mean 'We kill' now."

Correction: Always use a clear time marker for the past: 'Ayer matamos la luz' (Yesterday we turned off the light). If no time is mentioned, assume Present: 'Siempre matamos la luz' (We always turn off the light).

⭐ Usage Tips

Figurative Use

The verb 'matar' is often used figuratively, especially to mean 'turn off' (like a light or engine) or 'quench' (like thirst). This is very common and useful.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: matamos

Question 1 of 2

In the sentence 'Cada año matamos la mala hierba del jardín,' what tense is 'matamos'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

matar(to kill (infinitive)) - verb

matanza(slaughter, killing (noun)) - noun

matador(killer, bullfighter (noun)) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

If 'matamos' means both 'we kill' and 'we killed,' how do I know which one to use?

You rely on context! Look for time markers: words like 'ayer' (yesterday), 'la semana pasada' (last week) tell you it's the past. Words like 'siempre' (always), 'cada día' (every day), or if no time is mentioned, indicate the present action.

Is 'matamos' the same as 'matemos'?

No. 'Matamos' is used when stating a fact (Present or Past Indicative). 'Matemos' is the form used for wishes, doubts, or suggestions, often translated as 'that we kill' or 'let's kill' (Present Subjunctive/Imperative).