matando
/mah-TAHN-doh/
killing
Depicting the literal action of 'killing' (taking life).
matando(Gerund)
killing
?The ongoing action of taking life
murdering
?Criminal sense
,slaying
?Literary or dramatic context
📝 In Action
La policía lo encontró matando el tiempo en el parque.
B1The police found him killing time in the park.
El cazador estuvo matando mosquitos toda la noche.
A2The hunter was killing mosquitoes all night.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming the 'Doing' Form
Since 'matar' ends in -ar, the gerund (the form that acts like the '-ing' in English) is made by changing -ar to -ando. This is the simplest pattern.
Using Continuous Actions
You combine 'matando' with a form of 'estar' (to be) to show something is happening right now: 'Estamos matando el proyecto' (We are killing the project).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up Gerund and Infinitive
Mistake: "Using 'estoy a matar' instead of 'estoy matando'."
Correction: Remember that 'estar' needs the '-ando' form to describe an action in progress. 'A matar' means 'to kill'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Duration
The 'matando' form emphasizes that the action is ongoing, not finished. Use it when you want to stress that the action is happening at the moment of speaking.
Illustrating the figurative meaning of 'overwhelming' difficulty or distress, like intense heat.
matando(Gerund (Figurative))
overwhelming
?Causing intense distress or difficulty (e.g., heat, work)
causing extreme effort
?Describing intense physical exertion
,exhausting
?Referring to work or stress
📝 In Action
Este calor me está matando, necesito un aire acondicionado.
B1This heat is killing me; I need air conditioning.
El nuevo proyecto nos está matando de trabajo.
B2The new project is overwhelming us with work.
💡 Grammar Points
Expressing Intensity
Using 'matando' is a dramatic, common way to say something is extremely difficult or painful, like saying 'I'm dying of laughter' in English.
⭐ Usage Tips
Personalization
This meaning almost always requires a direct object pronoun like 'me,' 'te,' or 'nos' to show who is suffering the intense effect: 'Me está matando' (It is killing/overwhelming me).
Representing the slang meaning of 'slaying' or looking incredibly good.
matando(Gerund (Slang/Idiomatic))
slaying
?Looking incredibly good or excelling (US slang equivalent)
crushing it
?Performing exceptionally well
,looking stunning
?Referring to appearance
📝 In Action
¡Esa chica está matando con su nuevo corte de pelo!
C1That girl is slaying with her new haircut!
El equipo de fútbol está matando en la liga este año.
C1The soccer team is crushing it in the league this year.
💡 Grammar Points
Slang Use
This meaning is heavily dependent on context and tone. It's usually used as an enthusiastic compliment, similar to using 'killer' or 'sick' in English to mean 'excellent'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Know Your Audience
Only use this meaning with friends or in very informal, relaxed settings. It would sound strange or inappropriate in a formal business meeting.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: matando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'matando' in its figurative sense of causing distress?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'matando' end in -ando instead of -iendo?
'Matando' is the 'doing' form (gerund) of the verb 'matar'. Since 'matar' is an '-ar' verb, it always uses the '-ando' ending. Only '-er' and '-ir' verbs use the '-iendo' ending.
Can I use 'matando' by itself without 'estar'?
Yes, but its function changes slightly. When used alone, it means 'while killing' or 'by killing,' describing how another action is performed: 'Corrió matando la sed con agua' (He ran, quenching his thirst with water).